Napier Artificial Reefs – Hawke's Bay & Wairarapa

18m Max

5-15m Vis

boat

Site Overview

The Napier Artificial Reefs are a network of purpose-built concrete modules deployed off the Napier coastline to enhance marine habitat and provide accessible diving opportunities in the Hawke's Bay region. The reef modules have been colonised by diverse marine communities over the years since deployment, creating thriving underwater ecosystems that attract crayfish, moray eels, nudibranchs, and abundant reef fish. The artificial reef design creates numerous crevices, overhangs, and sheltered spaces that provide ideal habitat for marine organisms, with crayfish being particularly abundant in the protected reef structure. Moray eels occupy the darker interior spaces of the concrete modules, while nudibranchs colonise the exposed surfaces in impressive diversity and density. Snapper patrol above the reef modules, and octopus camouflage themselves against the concrete surfaces. The accessible depth range of 5 to 18 metres and calm conditions make the artificial reefs ideal for training dives, refresher dives, and family diving. The proximity to Napier and the ease of access by short boat ride make these reefs among the most frequently dived sites in the Hawke's Bay region. The artificial reef programme demonstrates the success of marine habitat enhancement and provides an educational component to the diving experience as divers observe how marine communities have developed on the purpose-built structures.

Dive Briefing

"The dive begins at the first reef module at approximately 8 metres, where the concrete structure is visible on the sandy bottom. Explore the reef modules systematically, searching the crevices and overhangs for crayfish and moray eels. The concrete surfaces are colonised by diverse nudibranch populations and sponge growth. Snapper patrol above the reef modules, while octopus camouflage against the concrete surfaces. Continue between the reef modules, which are spaced to allow easy navigation and exploration of multiple structures in a single dive. The deeper modules at 12 to 15 metres support the most diverse marine communities. The return follows the shallower modules at 5 to 8 metres where the light creates the best conditions for macro photography. The safety stop is conducted above the shallowest reef module. Search the concrete crevices and overhangs systematically with your torch for the largest crayfish and moray eels. The reef modules at 10 to 12 metres support developing sponge gardens and colourful nudibranch populations that provide excellent macro photography subjects throughout the dive."