Goat Island Snorkelling Guide: Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve

Overview

The Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve, better known as Goat Island, was New Zealand's first marine reserve, created in 1975. It stretches from Cape Rodney to Okakari Point and covers the water up to 800 m from shore, including Te Hāwere-a-Maki/Goat Island itself.

DOC says the reserve offers some of the best snorkelling and diving close to Auckland. Because nothing can be taken, the fish are "abundant and friendly". The University of Auckland's Leigh Marine Laboratory sits next to the reserve and studies how a marine ecosystem works without harvesting.

Only go in when it's calm

People have died at this marine reserve. DOC recommends that you don't swim, snorkel or dive when there are:

• east or north-east winds over 20 knots, or
• east or north-east swells of more than 1 metre.

It can be unsafe even in calmer conditions, so be realistic about your skills. If you're unsure, stay out. DOC suggests checking wind and swell on a surf forecast for Goat Island. Note that the surf rating colours are for surfing, not snorkelling.

What you might see

DOC describes seaweed forests, sponge gardens and the creatures of the rocky shore, with plenty of fish. Sightings vary with conditions and visibility.

Gear hire and guided tours

Goat Island Dive & Snorkel offers guided snorkel tours, boat trips, gear hire and scuba diving at the reserve. It operates seasonally, so check its opening dates before you go. A wetsuit is a good idea, as the water is cool for much of the year.

On a wet day, the Goat Island Discovery Centre is a good place to learn about the marine ecosystem.

Getting there

The reserve is near Leigh, about an hour and a half's drive north of Auckland. Take SH1 to Warkworth and follow the Goat Island Marine Reserve signs.

No dogs are allowed anywhere in the area.

Reserve rules

Everything in the reserve is protected:

• Don't take, kill or disturb any marine life, shells or rocks.
• Don't feed the fish. It changes their natural behaviour.
• Don't litter or pollute.
• Report poaching to 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224) or 0800 DOCHOT (0800 362 468).

Help stop the spread of exotic caulerpa seaweed by making sure your gear is free of seaweed before you move to another spot. Read our full marine reserve rules guide.

Cultural significance

Motu Hāwere (Te Hāwere-a-Maki) is central to the identity of Ngāti Manuhiri. The name is associated with Maki, who led the conquest of the area in the late 17th century and was the father of Manuhiri, the iwi's founding ancestor.

Nearby

Tāwharanui Regional Park, to the south, has beaches, walks and a campground.