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North-coast dive-sites page with Mataora and the surrounding reef stretch.
Dive Spot Guide•
M.V. Mataora
M.V. Mataora is a shallow beginner wreck dive in Rarotonga.
Shallow wreck-and-reef dive on Rarotonga’s north coast; plan for calm conditions, hard coral, and easy beginner-friendly depths.
About M.V. Mataora
M.V. Mataora is a shallow purpose-sunk cargo schooner wreck on Rarotonga’s north coast, with recognizable bow and stern sections despite cyclone damage. The site blends wreck structure with surrounding hard coral and clear-water reef conditions, so it works best as a relaxed intro dive or easy photography dive rather than a long swim. Friendly fish and lionfish sightings add to the appeal for divers who like a calm, shallow wreck.
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Research Estimate At M.V. Mataora
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 30m
AccessSimple entry
CoralHealthy coral
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
CurrentNo current
Where Is M.V. Mataora?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
M.V. Mataora Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
10m - 25m
Depth Note
The wreck is shallow and broken up, but the bow and stern still read clearly against the surrounding reef stretch.
Best Season
Year-round in settled conditions.
Typical Conditions
Shallow, clear, and usually no current, with hard coral on the surrounding reef and a broken-up wreck.
Safety & Access At M.V. Mataora
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Sharp coral
Safety Notes
Watch the broken wreck edges and keep clear of coral while exploring the shallow sections.
Access Restrictions
Keep good buoyancy over the reef stretch and avoid touching the hard coral or unstable wreck fragments.
Legal Notes
Do not touch or remove any wreck material or coral, and follow local site guidance for reef protection.
Local Intel For M.V. Mataora
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
A shallow wreck dive with recognizable bow and stern sections despite significant storm damage.
Freediving
Not a dedicated freedive site; the wreck and surrounding reef are better as a relaxed shallow scuba dive.
Snorkeling
Snorkelling can work in the calmest shallow water, but the wreck structure is best appreciated underwater.
Wildlife at M.V. Mataora
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At M.V. Mataora
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At M.V. Mataora
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility30m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
