The reserve contains part of the South Tasman Rise seafloor and covers the deep ocean, including a section of the mid-continental slope at depths of 1,200–3,000 m (3,900–9,800 ft). Some of the seamounts within the reserve have flat summits, which indicates that they were exposed above the surface at some time.[3]
Protection
The entirety of the South Tasman Rise marine reserve area is IUCN protected area category VI and is zoned as 'Special Purpose'.[3]