Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve beach
Image: Jamie Quirk | DOC

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Introduction

This is a special marine reserve as it's home to eight different marine habitats including inshore reef, rocky intertidal platforms and sediment flats.

Weather and sea conditions in this area can change quickly. See the Know before you go section below for more information.

View map and boundaries of Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve.

For tide, boundaries and other information you can download the MarineMate app.

Video

Find things to do and places to stay Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve

At low tide, deep channels and pools are exposed in the reef, which are ideal for snorkelling. It’s a wonderful place to wander over and explore the rock pools, where you will see anemones, small fish and the large crayfish for which the area is renowned.

Underwater visibility can be low, but if you strike a calm day the deep channel running through the reef is a good place for scuba divers or snorkelers to see species such as blue moki and crayfish.

During the incoming and outgoing tide, there can sometimes be a current in the channel draining the reef platform. If you plan to snorkel or scuba dive in the channel, check the tide times beforehand and plan your dive accordingly.

Protect our marine reserves
  • No fishing of any kind.
  • Don't take or kill marine life.
  • Don't remove or disturb any marine life or materials.
  • Don't feed fish - it disturbs their natural behaviour.
  • Take care when anchoring to avoid damaging the sea floor.

Contacts

DOC Customer Service Centre
Phone 0800 275 362
Email gisborne@doc.govt.nz
Address DOC offices

 

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