Stingray Tours at Tatapouri Bay, Gisborne
Must Do NZ – Updated: 11th July 2026
Stingray Tours at Tatapouri Bay – One of Gisborne's Top Wildlife Attractions
Located just 15 minutes north of Gisborne, Stingray Tours at Tatapouri Bay offer a rare opportunity to safely interact with wild stingrays in their natural coastal environment. Guided by the experienced team at Dive Tatapouri, this unique Reef Ecology Tour lets visitors walk across the reef at low tide while encountering stingrays, eagle rays and a variety of native marine life. Combining Māori culture, marine conservation and hands-on wildlife encounters, it’s one of Gisborne’s most memorable family-friendly experiences.
Dive Tatapouri Stingray Tours Gisborne
Join the award-winning Dive Tatapouri Reef Ecology Tour, located just 15 minutes north of Gisborne. Guided by knowledgeable local experts, you’ll walk across the reef at low tide to encounter wild stingrays, eagle rays and many of the fascinating marine species that call Tatapouri Bay home. Along the way you’ll learn about the area’s rich Māori heritage, reef ecology and the importance of protecting this unique coastal environment.
Reef Ecology Tour
Price: $67 per person – Children $20 pp (Aged 16 & under)
Tours Depart: Various times to suit tides on the day (see tour times when booking)
Duration: 1.5 Hours
Dive Tatapouri is well-known for its interactive reef tours with wild stingrays, eagle rays, and various other fish species. Wearing waterproof waders, you’ll stroll the reef at low tide to witness stingrays and other reef dwellers such as yellowtail kingfish, trevally, kahawai, crayfish, octopus, and conger eel. It’s also a fantastic snorkelling experience with wild stingrays in their native surroundings at certain times of the year.
Whanau (family) is an essential aspect of our business, with our children, nephews, and nieces invited to join our team, exhibiting our goods and our Gisborne location.
We sought to keep our facility looking natural by using sustainable and recycled woods and natural sand and stone from the ocean to create a one-of-a-kind base to greet and accommodate our tourists as they begin their journey.
Dive Tatapouri - Reef Ecology Tour
Our interactive Reef Ecology tour is famous for its interaction with Wild Stingrays in their natural environment. It is one of the most popular and unique things to do in New Zealand.
Our knowledgeable 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.
Once you’ve dressed in our designer waders, you’ll embark on a reef tour at low tide with our experienced guides.
During your Reef Ecology tour, you’ll have the opportunity to observe and interact with the natural inhabitants and numerous fish species of Tatapouri bay under the guidance of our guides.
What to Expect from our Tatapouri Bay Reef Tour?
The Reef Ecology tour is a walk over the reef at low tide. You are fitted 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, 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 of 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 fish and marine life 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 the Maori to manage their natural resource.
Reef Ecology Tour – Essential Information
- Our reef tours are suitable for all ages.
- Bookings are essential – our reef tours are popular! And are run around the low tides daily.
- Dive Tatapouri provides Waders. Please note our waders only go to shoe size 13 and waist size 18.
- Reef tour times depend on tides and weather, and sea conditions.
- Allow up to an hour and a half for the Reef Ecology Tour, including check-in.
- Prior arrangements can accommodate large groups.
- 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)
Frequently Asked Questions – Stingray Tours at Tatapouri Bay
Is it safe to interact with the stingrays at Tatapouri Bay?
Yes. The Reef Ecology Tour is led by experienced Dive Tatapouri guides who explain how to safely observe and gently interact with the wild stingrays. The stingrays and other marine life are free to come and go in their natural environment, and visitors are guided throughout the experience to ensure both their safety and the wellbeing of the marine life.
Do I need to be able to swim to join the Reef Ecology Tour?
No. The Reef Ecology Tour takes place on foot at low tide while wearing waterproof waders provided by Dive Tatapouri. Participants walk across the shallow reef with experienced guides, so swimming is not required. At certain times of the year, separate snorkelling opportunities may also be available.
What can I expect to see during the Stingray Tours at Tatapouri Bay in Gisborne?
During the Stingray Tours at Tatapouri Bay, visitors can observe and interact with wild stingrays and other native marine life such as eagle rays, kingfish, trevally, kahawai, crayfish, octopus, and conger eels in their natural coastal environment.
How long do the reef ecology tours at Tatapouri Bay last and what is included?
Reef ecology tours typically last around 1.5 hours and include a guided walk across the reef at low tide. Participants wear waterproof waders while learning about stingrays, fish, and other reef-dwelling species from knowledgeable local guides.
Are the Tatapouri Bay reef tours suitable for children and families?
Yes, the tours are suitable for children and adults of all ages. The experience is interactive and educational, making it a popular choice for families, school groups, and nature enthusiasts.
Do I need to book in advance for stingray tours at Tatapouri Bay, and what should I bring?
Advance booking is recommended, as tours operate according to tide and weather conditions and can fill quickly. Visitors should bring warm clothing and a waterproof camera. Waterproof waders are provided as part of the experience.