Aldermens- Bishops Hat - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Bishops Hat, out in the Aldermens, is a fantastic spot we always try to hit when the weather cooperates. It’s exposed to those easterlies and south-easterlies, so pick your day carefully, but when it’s good, it’s *really* good. We love dropping in here, particularly for the cave. It’s not a deep dive, peaking around 17 metres, but the way the light filters in through the entrance is just captivating. Inside the cave itself, we’ve often seen big Rig sheltering, and the walls are plastered with these colourful bristleworms that really catch your eye. Our favourite part has to be the outside wall though, where the kelp gives way to deeper water. This is where you might catch a flash of California Yellowtail or even a cruising Blue Shark if you’re lucky. We always keep an eye out for the cheeky New Zealand Draughtboard Sharks tucked into crevices. Visibility averages around 21 metres, which for New Zealand, feels like a gift. If you’re into a gentle drift, exploring some interesting rock formations, and don’t mind a bit of a boat ride, Bishops Hat is a winner. It’s a great dive for anyone comfortable with a bit of current and keen to see what the Hauraki Gulf really has to offer beyond the usual spots.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.953400, 176.101900
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: Wharekawa Harbour Wildlife Refuge

Best Time to Dive in Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

The warmest water temperatures in Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf occur in February, averaging 22.4°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 14.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 21.4°C
  • February: 22.4°C
  • March: 21.8°C
  • April: 19.8°C
  • May: 17.4°C
  • June: 15.3°C
  • July: 14.1°C
  • August: 14.1°C
  • September: 14.7°C
  • October: 16.3°C
  • November: 18.5°C
  • December: 20.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Nearest Dive Centres to Aldermens- Bishops Hat

Marine Life in Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Home to 77 recorded species including 43 reef fish, 11 sharks & rays, 3 whales & dolphins, 3 crabs & lobsters, 3 other, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Aldermens- Bishops Hat

Based on average water temperature of 18.0°C, currents 2 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 18°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories