MV Mataora Wreck (Rarotonga)

About this site

The MV Mataora is a 45-meter cargo vessel deliberately sunk in 1990 to create an artificial reef. Now broken up by cyclones but with recognizable bow and stern sections, the wreck sits in shallow lagoon waters surrounded by some of Rarotonga's finest hard coral structures. It's an excellent introduction to South Pacific wreck diving with abundant marine life.

Conditions

Country

Cook Islands

Region

Rarotonga (South Coast)

Max depth

10–25 m

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

24–27°C

Difficulty

Beginner to Intermediate

Best season

May to October

Type

Wreck

Suitable for

• Scuba

Dive types

• Wreck
• Reef

Marine life

• Rays
• Turtles
• Coral
• Eels
• Pelagic fish