Goat Island's marine reserve- A summer series # 6

Goat Island’s marine reserve is right on Auckland’s doorstep, plentiful with oversized snapper and other fish species.

Goat Island is a great marine playground

The reserve is near Leigh about an hour and a half drive from Auckland and was New Zealand’s first marine reserve officially opened in 1977. It covers 518 hectares of coastal sea between Cape Rodney and Okakari Point.

Snapper is plentiful

The immediate bay is well sheltered by Goat Island, a 100 metres from the beach. It’s safer to enter the water from the shore rather than the rocks. Then, enjoy swimming through the kelp, spotting the marine life as you go.

Their weekend Saturday morning market is famous so plan your trip around a stop at the Matakana Village.

Getting to Goat Island’s marine reserve

Unfortunately, no bus service is available to the township of Leigh so your own transport is necessary.

Hiring gear

All equipment for snorkelling and diving can be hired from Goat Island Dive & Snorkel. They also take snorkelling and diving tours, diving instruction and dive trips to other dive sites.

For more great summer ideas,click and read … At Tiritiri Matangi it’s all about the birds-Summer series #8