Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve – East Cape & Gisborne

12m Max

5-15m Vis

shore

Site Overview

Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve near Gisborne is a protected coastal area that offers sheltered shore diving with excellent macro opportunities, diverse juvenile fish populations, and accessible training conditions for divers of all levels. The marine reserve protects the rocky reef and tide pool ecosystems along the Gisborne coastline, creating a sanctuary where marine life thrives without fishing pressure. The shallow rocky reef supports diverse nudibranch populations, with multiple species of colourful sea slugs inhabiting the rock surfaces and algal-covered substrates throughout the reserve. Juvenile fish of many species use the sheltered rock pools and shallow reef areas as nurseries, providing fascinating observations for divers interested in marine ecology and fish behaviour. The sheltered location and gentle topography make the marine reserve ideal for Open Water training dives, refresher dives, and family snorkelling. Snapper and demoiselles school above the reef, while moray eels occupy the deeper crevices and crayfish shelter beneath the rocky ledges. Seahorses are occasionally encountered by patient observers searching the algal-covered surfaces. The marine reserve is easily accessible from Gisborne, making it the most convenient dive site in the East Cape and Gisborne region. The combination of marine reserve protection, diverse macro life, and accessible training conditions makes Te Tapuwae o Rongokako an important site for marine conservation education and recreational diving.

Dive Briefing

"The dive begins at the rocky shore entry near the marine reserve car park, where a short walk leads to the sheltered rock pools and reef entry point. Descend to the shallow rocky reef at 2 to 4 metres and begin exploring the diverse marine communities that inhabit the protected area. Search the rock surfaces systematically for nudibranchs, which are diverse and abundant in the marine reserve. Juvenile fish of many species can be observed in the shallow rock pools and reef areas. Follow the reef to slightly deeper sections at 6 to 10 metres where snapper and demoiselles school above the rocky substrate. Moray eels occupy the deeper crevices, while crayfish shelter beneath the rocky ledges. The return follows the shallower reef and rock pools at 2 to 4 metres where the light creates the best conditions for macro photography. The safety stop is conducted in the shallow reef near the entry point."