Dive Tatapouri Stingray Tour: Must-Do Wildlife Experience in Gisborne
If you’re planning a trip to Gisborne, one experience you cannot miss is the Dive Tatapouri stingray feeding tour.
I’ve done this tour myself, and it honestly blew me away. Getting to walk through the ocean and hand-feed wild stingrays?
This isn’t just a wildlife encounter, it’s a proper eco-tour, full of hands-on learning, Māori culture, and stunning coastal views.
Whether you’re a nature lover, travelling with kids, or just want to try something different, Dive Tatapouri is 100% worth adding to your East Coast itinerary.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Dive Tatapouri?
Dive Tatapouri is an eco-tourism operator located about 15 minutes north of Gisborne on State Highway 35. Their most popular activity is the Reef Ecology Tour with Wild Stingrays, and trust me, it’s one of the most popular activities for a reason.
This tour gives you the rare chance to walk out on a shallow reef at low tide and interact with wild stingrays in their natural habitat.
No enclosures, no feeding tanks just you, the ocean, and some friendly rays. The tour is tide-dependent and only runs at specific times each day, so bookings are essential.
What to Expect on the Dive Tatapouri Stingray Feeding Tour
After checking in, the team at Dive Tatapouri kits you out in waterproof chest waders so you can stay dry while walking in the water. From there, a guide takes you and your group out onto the reef, where the magic starts to happen.
Wild Short-Tailed Stingrays and Eagle Rays glide right up to your legs, curious and completely calm. They’re used to the guides and happy to interact with humans. You’ll even get to feed them by hand, which is such a cool experience.
They’re big, but they’re super gentle. They are very heavy though and like to rub themselves up up your legs. You are given sticks at the start of the tour to help you balance for this very reason.
The guides are great at explaining everything along the way, from stingray behaviour to reef ecology and local marine species.
The Marine Life
The stingrays are definitely the stars of the show, especially the Short-Tailed Stingrays, which can grow up to 2 metres wide.
You’ll also spot Eagle Rays, which are a bit more active and have beautiful spotted backs. These were the ones that hung around the most on my tour.
Every tour is a little different, depending on the tide and the season, which makes it feel like a real, wild encounter every time.
Prices & Info
Here’s the practical stuff you need to know if you’re keen to book the stingray tour at Dive Tatapouri:
Tour Length: Approx. 1.5 hours
Prices:
- Adults: $65 NZD
- Children (under 15): $20 NZD
- Family Pass (2 adults + 2 kids): $140 NZD
Location: 532 Whangara Road, Tatapouri, Gisborne
Tide Dependent: Tours only run at low tide, check the schedule before booking
Bookings: Highly recommended, especially in summer.
Book online at divetatapouri.com
Tips for Your Dive Tatapouri Experience
If you’re planning to do the stingray tour, here are a few tips from someone who’s done it:
- Dress warm: It can get breezy, even on sunny days.
- Bring a change of clothes: Just in case, though the waders keep you dry.
- Bring a waterproof camera or GoPro if you want to capture the action.
- Don’t worry about swimming: You’re only wading in shallow water the whole time.
- Be patient and calm: The stingrays come to you — no need to chase them.
Accommodation Nearby
If you want to make a weekend of it, you can actually stay right next door at the Tatapouri Bay Oceanside Accommodation and Campground. This is the perfect base for doing the Dive Tatapouri stingray tour.
The campground is right on the beach and has amazing sunrise views.
They offer:
- Glamping tents
- Powered and unpowered sites
- Beachfront cabins
- Communal kitchen + clean facilities
You can walk from your tent to the Dive Tatapouri office in about 2 minutes, so no stress if you’re booked for an early morning tour like I was.
Check out the campground here: tatapouri.co.nz
If you do stay overnight, make sure to explore a bit more of Gisborne. The Rere Rockslide is a local favourite and Rere Falls is just down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions – Dive Tatapouri
Is it safe?
Yes! The stingrays are wild but super calm and used to people. You’re with experienced guides the whole time and shown exactly how to interact safely.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Nope! You’ll just be wading through shallow water, no swimming involved.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love it. As long as they can follow instructions and don’t mind being around big stingrays, they’ll be fine. They also have a banana boat to take kids out on if they are too small to stand in the water.
Do I need to bring anything?
Just warm layers, a towel, sunscreen, and maybe a waterproof camera. Waders are provided.
How do I book?
Head to divetatapouri.com – bookings are essential because tours depend on the tide and fill up fast.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Book the Dive Tatapouri Stingray Tour
Whether you’re into wildlife, culture, photography, or just want to do something different in Gisborne, the Dive Tatapouri stingray tour is one of the most unique and rewarding activities on the East Coast.
You’ll walk away with new knowledge, epic memories, and a fresh appreciation for New Zealand’s marine life, and honestly, it’s just really fun.
So go on, book the tour, feed some stingrays, and experience the magic of the reef for yourself.
