We entertained my daughter’s Canadian in-laws for Christmas – imagine Christmas in summer when you’re used to freezing temperatures and a very good chance of snow. It was certainly a change for them. They’re keen divers and one of their days was to be spent at the Poor Knights. When they heard we’d never been there they invited us along. They had accommodation booked at The Pacific Rendezvous in Tutukaka and what a place. It’s built on a hill overlooking the harbour and has glorious views. What’s more, the driveway is lined with pōhutukawa which were in full bloom when we were there in late December. It was a gorgeous start to the adventure.
We relaxed on the verandah of our unit and made plans. We would be four snorkelers and two serious divers and the first thing to arrange was to get our kit.
Down at the dive shop Joe assessed us and handed over wetsuits and fins. He explained that if the wetsuit was wide enough and long enough it would fit, docked in the marina opposite. Leaving our kit to be delivered by the crew, we wandered over and stepped aboard. Our skipper was Nick and the other crew members were Fin, Joe and Cori – a lovely bunch.
