First settled by Maori in the 14th century, the coastal waters where rich with marine life. However, fishing/spear fishing throughout the 1950/60's vastly reduced fish stock in the area.
The first marine lab was developed in 1964 and the government was petitioned for six years until Goat Island became a Marine Reserve under law in 1971 and was officially opened in 1975.
 
Dive in and see us!
Goat Island Marine Reserve Today
Goat Island Marine Reserve is officially named Cape Rodney to Okakari Point Marine Reserve, covering 5 kms of shoreline and encompassing 500 hectares. Its protected environment has seen a dramatic increase in marine life, attracting thousands of visitors from around the globe annually.
Goat Island itself, situated just 137 meters of shallow sea water north of the white sand beach, can be reached easily by swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking.
A Toilet block and changing area is situated in the top carpark just up from the beach. There is no drinking water or food for sale/shops at the Marine Reserve. Visitors will need to stop in Leigh township or bring their own food and drink from home.
There are no rubbish bins, making the Reserve a bring in and then take it home again destination. Marine Life
Large friendly resident Snapper (some up to 50-60 years old), Blue Maomao, Sweep, Parore, Silver Drummer, Goatfish, Kahawai, Trevally, Kingfish, Jack Mackerel, Yellow Eyed Mullet, Red Moki, Blue Cod, Kelpfish, Marblefish, Leatherjackets, Butterfish, Spotty, Big Eye, Wrasse, Demoiselle. Triplefins, Blenny, Yellow Moray, Conger Eels, Long & Shortail Sting Rays, Eagle Rays, Red Crayfish, Crabs, Sea Stars, Brittle Stars, Sea Cucumbers, Nudibranchs, Sea Hares, Octopus, Squid, Anemones, Sponges, Sea Squirts, Ascidians, Corals & Hydroids.
Sea Conditions
Temperature: 13-22 degrees Celsius
Summer: Nov-April 17-22 degrees
Winter: May-Oct 13-16 degrees
Visibility: 3-15 meters (weather dependent)
Currents: small on change of tide
Rips: none
Depth: 2-10 meters off beach
6-25 meters back of reserve
Bottom Topography: white sand, kelp covered rocky boulders
Protected wind directions: South/West
Worst wind direction: North/East.
Helpful links
GOAT ISLAND DIVE / OUTER GULF CHARTERS, 142a Pakiri Rd, Leigh, 1 hr north of Auckland, New Zealand 0800 DIVE NZ (0800 348 369), dive@goatislanddive.co.nz
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