Plan a rock-pooling trip
Enter the date and region.
What this solves
NZ has rich intertidal life — sea anemones, sea stars, hermit crabs, rock lobsters (crayfish), seaweed gardens. The window is short — usually an hour before low tide and an hour after — and timing matters because a low tide of 0.0 m reveals more than a low tide of 0.5 m. This tool calculates the day's high and low tides (using the standard harmonic constants for the major NZ ports) and tells you the best window for your activity.
How to read the result
- Tide times are local. Spring tides (full and new moon) are larger — best for rockpooling.
- Neap tides (first and last quarter) are smaller — better for swimming.
Limitations
- Simplified harmonic model — for safety-critical work, use LINZ tide tables.
- Spring/neap amplitudes vary by region.
FAQ
Q: Where can I see big spring tides?
A: Spring tides alternate between very high and very low. Best for rock-pooling: West Coast, Kaikōura, and Banks Peninsula.
A: Spring tides alternate between very high and very low. Best for rock-pooling: West Coast, Kaikōura, and Banks Peninsula.
Q: Is rock-pooling safe for kids?
A: Yes — keep them at the rock-pool level and away from breaking waves. Wear grippy shoes.
A: Yes — keep them at the rock-pool level and away from breaking waves. Wear grippy shoes.
Q: Can I take shellfish?
A: Recreational limits apply. Crabs and some shellfish require a licence. Check MPI.
A: Recreational limits apply. Crabs and some shellfish require a licence. Check MPI.