Ongoing information about accessing Astrolabe Reef as well as updates about the state of the wreck will be published here.

Below is a brief summary of the latest updates.

November 2026

Reporting Updates, Including Post Storm Event Wreck Condition Monitoring

Recent reporting and meeting minutes for 2025/2026 have progressively been uploaded to the Astrolabe Reef website.

A significant wave event associated with Cyclone Vaianu in April 2026 exceeded the consent defined threshold for a Significant Storm Event, triggering the requirement for a post-storm inspection of the wreck, with the findings documented in the 2026 Wreck Condition and Debris Monitoring Report.

October 2021

Astrolabe 'Reef Watch' Update

The Astrolabe Community Trust contracted 8 staff to do a beach clean up at Otara Bay, Tairua. Otara Bay was selected based on a phone call to the BoPRC pollution hotline by a member of the public who had observed beads at the high tide mark. October 2021

The Astrolabe Community Trust continues to respond to ongoing plastic bead survey and recovery from beaches in accordance with the Shoreline Debris Management Plan. The images above show a team member conducting a survey and utilising specialist equipment to separate plastic beads from beach material. September 2021

 MARKER BUOYS

As a reminder – the orange buoys marking dive sites 1 & 2 are intended for diving activity first and foremost.

Vessels longer than 10 metres are asked NOT to use them for mooring purposes, unless assisting divers when entering and exiting the water. Mooring should only be for limited periods.  

ANCHORING

Skippers are reminded to avoid anchoring on the Reef, as far as possible.