Alice A. Leigh /Rewa ShipWreck - Poor Knights Islands

The Alice A. Leigh, often called the Rewa, is a charming, shallow wreck off Moturekareka Island. We love it for how accessible it is, perfect for knocking out a couple of dives without a deep deco penalty. The main hull sits at about six meters, easily visible from the surface. It's really just the ribs and parts of the mast now, but enough structure remains to explore a little. You can weave through the broken timbers, watching for the mottled triplefins that zip between the rusty plates. Snapper often hang around the larger sections, and the occasional smooth skate glides past. Visibility averages seven metres, which is decent for a bay site. It’s pretty sheltered from strong currents, making it a relaxed dive, especially good for newer divers or for photographers wanting to take their time.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.278800, 174.810000
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Alice A. Leigh /Rewa ShipWreck

Year Sunk
1931
Vessel Type
sailing vessel
Cause
grounding

The wreck known to divers as the Rewa began her life in 1889 as the Alice A. Leigh. A magnificent four-masted steel barque, she was the largest ship on the British register at the time of her launch-a true titan of the last great age of sail. For decades, she plied global trade routes before being purchased in 1920 by a New Zealand shipping company and renamed Rewa.

Her long and storied career came to a quiet end not in a storm, but by a deliberate act. In 1931, the aging vessel was beached in a calm, sheltered cove on Moturekareka Island, south of Kawau Island. She was stripped of valuable materials and left to the elements, her hull slowly surrendering to the sea in her chosen final resting place.

Today, the Rewa is one of New Zealand's most beloved and accessible wreck dives. The main body of the ship rests in just 6 meters of water, making it a perfect site for divers of all levels, freedivers, and even snorkelers. With minimal current and good shelter, exploring the bones of this once-great sailing ship is a relaxed, picturesque, and historically rich underwater adventure.

Marine Protected Area: Cape Rodney-Okakari Point

Best Time to Dive in Poor Knights Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Poor Knights Islands occur in February, averaging 21.9°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 15.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 21.4°C
  • February: 21.9°C
  • March: 21.7°C
  • April: 20.6°C
  • May: 19.1°C
  • June: 17.6°C
  • July: 16.5°C
  • August: 15.8°C
  • September: 15.9°C
  • October: 16.6°C
  • November: 18.2°C
  • December: 19.8°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Poor Knights Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Alice A. Leigh /Rewa ShipWreck

Marine Life in Poor Knights Islands

Home to 84 recorded species including 53 reef fish, 11 sharks & rays, 4 whales & dolphins, 4 other, 3 crabs & lobsters, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Alice A. Leigh /Rewa ShipWreck

Based on average water temperature of 18.8°C, currents 12 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 19°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

How deep is the Alice A. Leigh / Rewa Shipwreck dive site?
The main body of the Alice A. Leigh / Rewa Shipwreck is approximately 6 meters deep, making it an easy shallow depth wreck. Divers can explore this fascinating site down to a maximum depth of 9 meters.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Rewa Shipwreck?
Divers exploring the Alice A. Leigh / Rewa Shipwreck can expect to see the wreck's hull and mast resting on the sea floor. The broken-down structure provides a home for various marine life that lives inside the wreck. This site offers an interesting look at a historical wreck without the risk of entrapment.
Is the Alice A. Leigh / Rewa Shipwreck a difficult dive, and is it suitable for beginner divers or snorkelers?
The Alice A. Leigh / Rewa Shipwreck is generally considered an easy shallow depth wreck, with its main body at 6 meters and a maximum depth of 9 meters. It is suitable for beginner divers due to its shallow nature and the fact that the wreck is broken down with no risk of entrapment. Snorkelers can also enjoy this site as the wreck is visible from the surface at both low and high tide, although the overall difficulty is classified as intermediate.
What are the best conditions or time of year to dive the Rewa Shipwreck for optimal visibility?
The data provided indicates an average visibility of 7 meters at the Alice A. Leigh / Rewa Shipwreck. While specific best times of year for optimal visibility are not detailed, the site generally offers clear conditions for exploration. For more general information on dive conditions, visit our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are required to explore the Alice A. Leigh / Rewa Shipwreck?
Given that the Alice A. Leigh / Rewa Shipwreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, a basic open water certification is typically sufficient to explore this site. Its shallow depths, with a maximum of 9 meters, make it accessible for most certified divers.
What are the typical current and water conditions at the Rewa Shipwreck dive site?
Divers at the Alice A. Leigh / Rewa Shipwreck can expect very favorable current conditions. The site is semi-sheltered in a bay, meaning strong currents are generally not an issue, providing a calm and enjoyable diving experience.