Rena (Wreck) - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Stone Henge is a spot we keep coming back to when we’re in Taveuni. It’s a shallow site, only dropping to 18 metres, but it’s packed with stuff. We love the way the pinnacles create these little nooks and crannies to explore, almost like swim-throughs without being actual swim-throughs. You’ll often find yourself drifting over patches of anemones, and we always seem to spot a clownfish or two, even if they’re just the common ones. The real draw here, for us, is the Electric Clams. They’re these bright red clams with a fringe that flickers with what looks like electricity. They’re not actually electric, of course, but it’s a neat trick. Look for them tucked into crevices or under ledges. We’ve also seen some pretty big pufferfish here, just sort of lumbering around, and the occasional hawkfish perched on a coral head. Visibility usually sits around 12 metres, which is fine for a site this size. It’s a relaxed dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to take their time and really soak in the smaller details. No strong currents to fight, either, so it’s a good choice for a second or third dive of the day.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-37.560300, 176.396200
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Tuhua (Mayor Island)

Best Time to Dive in Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

The warmest water temperatures in Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf occur in February, averaging 22.4°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 14.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 21.4°C
  • February: 22.4°C
  • March: 21.8°C
  • April: 19.8°C
  • May: 17.4°C
  • June: 15.3°C
  • July: 14.1°C
  • August: 14.1°C
  • September: 14.7°C
  • October: 16.3°C
  • November: 18.5°C
  • December: 20.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Nearest Dive Centres to Rena (Wreck)

Marine Life in Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Home to 77 recorded species including 43 reef fish, 11 sharks & rays, 3 whales & dolphins, 3 crabs & lobsters, 3 other, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Rena (Wreck)

Based on average water temperature of 18.0°C, currents 2 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 18°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the depth range of the Rena Wreck dive site?
The Rena Wreck dive site offers a maximum depth of 22m for divers. While the wreck itself lies between 18-70m of water, the accessible diving depth is limited to 22m. This allows divers to explore portions of the fully submerged wreckage at this New Zealand dive site.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Rena Wreck?
Divers exploring the Rena Wreck can expect to encounter a fully submerged wreckage, which is categorised into three distinct parts. Mooring buoys are conveniently located on two of these sections, aiding navigation. While specific marine life details are not provided in the data, as a wreck on a reef, it typically attracts various species, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving the Rena Wreck, and what makes it challenging?
Diving the Rena Wreck is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. The primary challenges stem from potentially strong currents, which can vary significantly with the tide. Additionally, conditions must be calm, with swells under 1m, making careful planning essential for a safe dive at this New Zealand dive site.
What is the best time of year or conditions to dive the Rena Wreck?
The Rena Wreck should only be dived in calm conditions, specifically when swells are under 1m. Divers should also be mindful that currents can be strong depending on the tide, necessitating careful planning. For more general information on optimal diving periods, consult our when to dive guide.
What diving certifications are required to dive the Rena Wreck?
The provided data does not explicitly state the required diving certifications for the Rena Wreck. However, given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers should typically possess certifications beyond entry-level, such as an Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent, to safely navigate the conditions and depths of this Goat Island dive site.
What are the typical currents and sea conditions like at the Rena Wreck dive site?
Divers at the Rena Wreck can expect an average visibility of 10m. Sea conditions require calm weather, with swells needing to be under 1m for safe diving. Currents at this wreck site can be strong and are highly dependent on the tide, so careful planning and attention to tidal charts are crucial.