DISCOVER WHAT’S BENEATH THE SURFACE
EXPLORE GOAT ISLAND
MARINE RESERVE
Just over an hour north of Auckland lies one of New Zealand’s most iconic underwater adventures.
Goat Island / Te Hāwere-a-Maki Marine Reserve is a place to snorkel, dive, explore and encounter marine life in the wild — from thriving rocky reefs and swaying kelp forests to schools of fish cruising through clear coastal water.
Grab your mask. Get in the water. Your Goat Island adventure starts here.
NEW ZEALAND’S FIRST MARINE RESERVE
Where conservation created an underwater playground
Officially known as Cape Rodney–Okakari Point Marine Reserve, Goat Island became New Zealand’s first marine reserve in 1975.
The protected area stretches approximately 5 km along the coastline from Cape Rodney to Okakari Point and extends 800 metres offshore.
Decades of protection have helped make this coastline an incredible place to experience marine life where it belongs — in the wild.
And the best part? You can explore it straight from the beach.
STEP OFF THE BEACH. INTO ANOTHER WORLD.
You don’t need a boat to start exploring Goat Island.
The island sits roughly 100 metres offshore, with shallow water through the channel and deeper reef areas as you venture further out. The reserve can be explored by snorkellers and scuba divers directly from shore when conditions are suitable.
Put your face beneath the surface and suddenly everything changes.
Above you: the New Zealand coastline.
Below you: rocky reefs, moving kelp, fish darting between the rocks and the possibility of something unexpected cruising past.
That’s the magic of Goat Island.
Take only memories
The reason Goat Island is so special is also the reason we need to look after it.
Marine reserves provide protection for everything within their boundaries, which means visitors must leave marine life and the seafloor exactly where they find them.
Inside Goat Island Marine Reserve:
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No fishing
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No collecting shellfish or marine life
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No removing rocks, shells or anything from the seafloor
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No disturbing marine life
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No feeding fish
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No breaking open kina
These protections help preserve the natural behaviour of marine life and the environment you’ve come here to experience.
Look. Explore. Take photos. Make memories.
Leave the underwater world exactly where you found it.
Frequently asked questions
Is Goat Island Marine Reserve free to visit?
Yes. There is no entry fee to visit the marine reserve or beach. Activities, equipment hire and guided experiences are additional.
Do I need snorkelling experience?
No. Beginners can absolutely experience Goat Island. For anyone who isn't confident in the water, a guided beginner snorkel is a great way to start.
Can I hire snorkel gear?
Yes. Goat Island Dive & Snorkel offers snorkel equipment hire so you can explore the reserve without bringing your own gear.
Can I scuba dive at Goat Island?
Yes. Goat Island can be explored by scuba divers directly from shore when ocean conditions are suitable.
Can children snorkel at Goat Island?
Yes, but suitability depends on the child's swimming ability, confidence and the ocean conditions on the day.
Will I definitely see lots of fish?
Marine life is wild, so nothing can be guaranteed. What you see changes with conditions, seasons and the natural movement of animals through the reserve.
What should I check before travelling?
Always check the weather and ocean conditions before leaving Auckland or travelling a long distance to Goat Island.