Reef Ecology Tour
from $60
Dive Tatapouri
Reef Ecology Tour
Your Hosts
Chris & Dean
Dive Tatapouri
Hi, we are Chris and Dean
Hi, we are Chris and Dean
We have been running Dive Tatapouri in Tairawhiti Gisborne since the year 2000. Our business was started through Dean’s passion for the Moana (sea) and Chris’s love of hosting people.
Whanau (Maori for family) is a huge part of our operation with our children, nephews and nieces encouraged to become part of our team showcasing our products and location.
We also encourage young local students with a passion for tourism and the Moana to also become part of the Dive Tatapouri team and support them through work experience placements.
We have tried to retain a natural look to our facility by using sustainable timbers and recycled timbers along with the natural sand and stone of the coast helping to capture a unique base to welcome and host our visitors to begin their experience.
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Information
Our interactive Reef Ecology tour is famous for its interaction with Wild Stingrays and is one of the most popular and unique things to do in New Zealand.
Our knowledge guides will walk you across the reef to meet the Tamariki (Children) of Tangaroa the Maori God of the sea. Whilst meeting the residents of the reef our guides will provide insightful information about the different species you may encounter.
What to Expect from our Reef Tour?
The Reef Ecology tour is a walk over the reef at low tide, you are kitted out in waders to keep you dry. When arriving at the drop off (similar to scenes from the movie Finding Nemo) you stand in the water whilst our resident Short Tail Stingrays and Eagle Ray Stingrays and other reef dwellers swim around at your feet. Let Pancake and Waffle two of our Short Tail stingrays sit on your feet and wait for a gentle stroke, hard to imagine that Stingrays are perceived to be dangerous.
During the Reef Ecology tour, you’ll have the opportunity to observe and interact with the Stingrays, Eagle Rays, Kingfish and other reef dwellers under the guidance our guides. The guides will provide information about the local inhabitants who live on the reef. The marine life on our reef is not enclosed all animals are free to come and go.
You’ll also learn about local legends of Tairawhiti Gisborne and gain an insight into some of the methods once used by Maori to manage their natural resource.
• Our reef tours are suitable for all ages.
• Bookings are essential – our reef tours are popular!and are run around the low tides daily.
• Waders are provided by Dive Tatapouri please note our waders only go to shoe size 13 and waist size 18.
Waders are only available for children aged 4yrs or older and may be quite big on them. For children under the age 4yrs waders will not be available and they will need to sit on banana boat or be carried.
Our Banana Boat is available for smaller children who are to small to walk however please be aware parent / caregiver will be required to help pull it over the reef and remain with it during the tour. We do not provide life jackets for children so if you wish to have your child in a life jacket please bring one with you.
• Reef tour times depend on tides and weather and sea conditions.
• Allow up to an hour and half for the Reef Ecology Tour including check in.
• Large groups can be accommodated by prior arrangement.
• Pack your waterproof camera – you’ll need it!
All tours run from our beachfront location 15mins drive from the city of Tairawhiti Gisborne
Not suitable for people with limited mobility (check with us if you are unsure)