Matts Crack
Welcome to our dive site, a truly iconic location that will delight photographers and divers alike. This spot is famous for its mesmerizing blue glow, creating the perfect backdrop for stunning silhouette shots. The crack itself stretches approximately 60m in length, with a maximum depth of 15m at the open end. Spanning the entire length and open to the surface, the crack is 10m wide at the entrance, gradually narrowing to a comfortable 3m width.
Diving here is a unique experience, as the afternoon light filters into the crack, highlighting a breathtaking blue glow against the dark walls. To take your photography to the next level, have a diver model with a flashing torch beam for an added touch of brilliance.
The crack resembles a magnificent underwater hallway, adorned with beautiful marine life and vegetation. Along the boulder-covered floor, you'll encounter a colorful array of scorpionfish, stingrays, eels, toadstool grouper, triplefins, blennies, crayfish, demoiselles, snapper, maomao, wrasses, nudibranchs, sponges, corals, anemones, kelp, sea rimu, and algae.
As you venture deeper into the crack, the bottom reaches a depth of around 16-18 meters before gradually ascending towards the back. While the open end measures around 10m in width, it tapers to a still spacious 3m.
If you decide to explore beyond the crack, you'll find a reef finger on one side, with the island forming the other wall. This underwater wonderland extends below the surface, attracting divers of all levels. The reef finger slopes gently, offering the perfect spot for a safety stop at an average depth of 5-8m.
Keep in mind that the drop-off beyond the wall plunges to depths suitable for advanced and technical divers. Always monitor your gauges and dive within your training and experience levels to ensure safety.
Our dive site is located in New Zealand, specifically near Seal Rock in Northland. With excellent visibility at around 35m and a maximum depth of 18m, this site welcomes divers of all levels, from beginners to advanced and expert divers.
Experience the unique beauty of this site by joining us on our October Poor Knights Liveaboard, where the conditions allow us to explore the Eastern side of the islands. However, do be cautious of the stunningly beautiful but stinging jellyfish that occasionally bloom in the Marine Reserve.
Make sure to add this extraordinary dive spot in New Zealand to your must-visit list, and prepare for an unforgettable underwater adventure surrounded by abundant marine life and captivating blue hues.
Last updated: 12 mo. ago - Oct 3, 2023