HMNZS Kahu Wreck – Hawke's Bay & Wairarapa

Site Overview

The HMNZS Kahu wreck is a decommissioned Royal New Zealand Navy inshore patrol boat that was scuttled off Napier in 2018, creating one of the newest and most accessible artificial reef dive sites in the Hawke's Bay region. The relatively recent sinking means the wreck is still in the process of being colonised by marine organisms, providing a fascinating opportunity to observe artificial reef development in real time. Despite its young age as an artificial reef, the Kahu has already attracted a diverse marine community including frogfish, which are relatively rare at other dive sites in the region. The wreck lies at depths of 15 to 20 metres on a sandy bottom, its hull and superstructure largely intact and upright, providing excellent exploration opportunities for divers of all levels. Nudibranchs have colonised the wreck surfaces in impressive numbers, with multiple species of colourful sea slugs inhabiting the metal structure alongside sponges and soft corals. Moray eels occupy the interior spaces accessible through prepared openings, while crayfish shelter beneath the hull and snapper patrol above the wreck in loose schools. The compact size of the inshore patrol boat makes it ideal for thorough exploration in a single dive, with every surface offering macro photography opportunities. The proximity to Napier and the Hawke Bay wine region makes the Kahu wreck a convenient and enjoyable diving destination that combines underwater exploration with excellent topside activities.