Tatapouri offers a world famous interactive marine experience with Stingrays and other sea life. Our Visitors get to discover the Tamariki (Children) of Tangaroa (the Maori God of the Sea), whilst immersing themselves in the local culture and magical marine surroundings of Tatapouri on the East Coast of the North Island, where the first light touches our shores.

Local Legends are many in Tairawhiti Gisborne from Paikea riding the whale located just up the way at Whanagara to Mt Hikurangi on the East Coast the first land to be raised by Maui when he brought up Te Ika a Maui – the North Island (which looks like a Whai Repo (stingray) and also the first landing of Captain Cook to New Zealand. The residents of the area have a great affiliation with the Moana (the Sea) and a visit to our Region provides golden beaches, sunshine, surf, great things to do and experience a lot of which is still provided through the true Kiwi hospitality of old where you come as a tourist and leave as whanau or family.

With our knowledge guides you will interact with Wild Short Tail Stingrays, Eagle Rays and other reef dwellers in their natural habitat on the reef at low tide, 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. The Reef Ecology Tour is a truly amazing and unforgettable experience.

Helping to create memories for Adults and Children of all Ages, this fun and fascinating adventure to meet the Stingrays is also an educational experience that will have you walking away appreciating Stingrays and ocean life, along with gaining insights into the Stingrays some of which our crew has been working with since they were born on the reef.