Question 1

How do I get to Goat Island?

Accepted Answer

To get to Goat Island from Auckland, follow SH1 to Warkworth, and then follow the large brown Goat Island Marine Reserve signs from Matakana through to Leigh and then onto Goat Island.
Check out Travel time on Google Maps.

Question 2

Are there places to eat at the Reserve?

Accepted Answer

There are no food outlets at Goat Island, however there are plenty of places to eat in Leigh and Matakana- ask the staff for their recommendations!

Question 3

Do I need to catch a ferry to get to Goat Island?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no ferry to Goat Island.
Goat Island is a small island around 100 meters from the mainland.

Question 4

Can I bring my dog with me to Goat Island?

Accepted Answer

No. It is a Marine Reserve so dogs are strictly prohibited both on the beach and in the picnic areas. Please leave your dog at home!

Question 5

Are there toilets and shower facilities at the reserve?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There are both toilets and outdoor beach showers (no hot water) facilities at the reserve. There is no drinking water, and there are no BBQ´s- however there are picnic tables where you can enjoy your lunch.

Question 6

Where can I park?

Accepted Answer

We car parking at the Goat Island Dive & Snorkel Shop. Down at the Marine Reserve there is public parking.

Question 7

What is a Marine Reserve?

Accepted Answer

A marine reserve is a type of marine protected area. In a marine reserve, the collection, removal, feeding and killing of any marine life is prohibited- including shells or sea urchins. Goat Island was the first marine reserve in the world- where everything from the fish down to the grains of sand are protected!

Question 8

What fish will I see at the Reserve?

Accepted Answer

Snapper! Goat Island is known for its very big and friendly snapper. Other species of fish you´re likely to see while you´re in the water are: sweep, leatherjacket, travelly, piper, silver drummer, kahawai, red moki, goatfish, spottys and hiwihiwi (kelpfish). You may also see eagle rays, stingrays and octopus!

Question 9

Do I need to get into the water to enjoy Goat Island?

Accepted Answer

No you don’t! There are variety of activities to do at Goat Island, like the Goat Island walkway, rock pools and the Marine Discovery Centre. Come talk to our friendly staff in the shop for more information.

Question 10

Is there public transport available?

Accepted Answer

No. You will need your own transport. We recommend hiring a car for the day and enjoying the other incredible sights while you are up here.

Question 11

Do I need to book prior to on the day for a tour?

Accepted Answer

Bookings are essential for the tours, otherwise we cannot guarantee availability.

Question 12

What do I need to bring with me?

Accepted Answer

Sunscreen (we prefer reef-safe - you can buy this in store), your swimming costume, a towel, your driving license/ ID, drinking water, a packed lunch. if you are booked on a dive charter you will need to bring with you your dive certification.

WE'RE HERE TO HELP

HELP CENTRE

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Goat Island?

Are there places to eat at the Reserve?

Do I need to catch a ferry to get to Goat Island?

Can I bring my dog with me to Goat Island?

Are there toilets and shower facilities at the reserve?

Where can I park?

What is a Marine Reserve?

What fish will I see at the Reserve?

Do I need to get into the water to enjoy Goat Island?

Is there public transport available?

Do I need to book prior to on the day for a tour?

What do I need to bring with me?

Phone:

+64 9 422 6925

Email:

dive@goatislanddive.co.nz

Address:

142a Pakiri Road, Leigh 0985,
New Zealand

Opening Hours:

Closed for Winter, see you in November!

WE'RE HERE TO HELP

HELP CENTRE

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Goat Island?

Are there places to eat at the Reserve?

Do I need to catch a ferry to get to Goat Island?

Can I bring my dog with me to Goat Island?

Are there toilets and shower facilities at the reserve?

Where can I park?

What is a Marine Reserve?

What fish will I see at the Reserve?

Do I need to get into the water to enjoy Goat Island?

Is there public transport available?

Do I need to book prior to on the day for a tour?

What do I need to bring with me?

Phone:

+64 9 422 6925

Email:

dive@goatislanddive.co.nz

Address:

142a Pakiri Road, Leigh 0985, New Zealand

Opening Hours:

Closed for Winter, see you in November!

+64 9 422 6925 

142a Pakiri Road, Leigh 0985,
New Zealand