Gisborne Marine Reserve Groups for Agents

The short answer

Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve lies about 16 km north of Gisborne, reached from State Highway 35 at Pouawa. Nothing may be taken there, and low tide is the time for beach walks and snorkelling. Explera DMC plans it as a short coastal stop on an East Coast group programme, with a licensed guide in the water.

Gisborne and the East Coast are a quiet part of a North Island route, and this marine reserve is one of the easiest ways to show clients the coast. Our New Zealand team has the full notes in its Te Tapuwae o Rongokako guide. This page is the short version.

What Is the Reserve?

A no-take reserve of 2,452 hectares, set up in 1999 on the coast north of Gisborne.
Run with tangata whenua. Ngāti Konohi backed the reserve on condition of a review after 25 years, and the Department of Conservation (DOC) is now running that review with them.
Reef and kelp. DOC describes a reef platform, rocky pools and kelp forest further out.

Green weed on rocks along a shoreline, with the sea behind

When Should a Group Go?

At low tide. DOC says the reef platform is then shallow and sheltered, which suits beach walks, snorkelling and shore dives.
With the forecast checked. Weather and sea conditions change quickly, and DOC warns of landslides on the beach in bad weather.
With care for shorebirds. Birds breed at the Pouawa river mouth from August to February, so we ask clients to keep their distance.

What Rules Should Clients Know?

Take nothing. Taking or disturbing anything in the reserve is illegal, shells included.
Stay on public land. The beach above the seaweed line, the pā and the farmland are private.
Snorkel with a guide. We use a licensed guide for any time in the water.

Waves breaking over dark rocks along a rocky shore

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve?

About 16 km north of Gisborne on the North Island's East Coast, reached from State Highway 35 at Pouawa.

When is the best time to visit with a group?

At low tide, when the reef platform is shallow and sheltered.

Can clients collect shells?

No. Taking or disturbing anything in a marine reserve is illegal.

Who looks after the reserve?

DOC and Ngāti Konohi, who are reviewing it together 25 years after it was set up.

Sources

Have your say on the review of Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve, Department of Conservation, 7 October 2026
Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve, Department of Conservation

Where Explera Fits

Our New Zealand team plans regional group programmes at net rates for travel agents, tour operators and MICE planners, and we combine New Zealand with programmes in our other destinations.

Write to b2b@explera.co.nz or message +66 93 656 8090 on WhatsApp. Explera DMC is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (900408341).