In Tonga, navy divers will attempt to visually identify the wreck of the ferry Princess Ashika today, with a remote operated submersible expected to be sent to the seabed.
The ferry sank 13 days ago with the loss of more than 90 lives.
HMNZS Manawanui was able to reach the site of what's believed to be the sunken ferry yesterday afternoon.
Lieutenant Commander, Andrew McMillan, says the search could take all day.
"Three objectives for the mission, one is to finalise the confirmation of the vessel, two is to assist and search and rescue operation that is ongoing by seeing if we can find any life rafts down there, and that will allow us to account all of the life rafts to assist the transport and accident investigation commission in their support to the royal commission of inquiry."
Lieutenant Commander Andrew McMillan speaking from Tonga.
Meanwhile, New Zealand's Prime Minister, John Key, says Tonga will probably have to choose between salvaging the sunken ferry
or buying a new ship.
Mr Key says neither New Zealand nor Australia have the military capability to salvage the ship, which is in 110-metres of water.
He says it may be that the best use of resources is in helping Tonga buy a new ship to ensure future travel is safe.
