Aldermens- Fish Factory - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

The Aldermens, and the Fish Factory site in particular, are a bit of a commitment to reach from Goat Island, but we think it’s absolutely worth the boat ride. Once you’re in, it’s a site that keeps your attention. You drop onto a wall that feels like it just keeps going, then a separate pinnacle rises up from the depths, forming a playground of ledges and overhangs. This is a site for divers who appreciate the subtle details and are comfortable with a bit of depth. We love drifting along the wall, keeping an eye out for the New Zealand Draughtboard Sharks tucked into crevices. The currents here can push you along nicely, but they also bring in the bigger stuff – we’ve seen Shortfin Makos here, though you have to be lucky and quick to spot them. Our favourite part is definitely the pinnacle; the pink maomao schooling there are just beautiful, and the way the light filters through them is something special. Keep an eye on your depth here, it’s easy to get distracted and go a bit deeper than planned as you explore.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.958400, 176.057700
Type
pinnacle

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- Fish Factory

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- Fish Factory

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths encountered when diving the Fish Factory in the Maldives?
The provided information for the Fish Factory dive site is for its location near Goat Island, New Zealand, not the Maldives. At the New Zealand site, divers can expect a maximum depth of 22 meters. This site can become a deep dive quite easily, making it more suitable for experienced divers.
What unique marine life, especially large predators and eels, can divers expect to see at the Fish Factory dive site?
The data provided describes the Fish Factory dive site located in Goat Island, New Zealand. Here, divers can expect to encounter plentiful amounts of Blue MaoMao and Demoiselles. Pink maomao are more common on the pinnacle, and on a good day, schooling kingfish might pass by.
Is the Fish Factory dive site in the Maldives suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered more challenging due to currents?
The Fish Factory dive site described in our data is located in Goat Island, New Zealand, not the Maldives. This particular site is more suited for experienced and expert divers, as it can easily become a deep dive. While the data doesn't specifically mention currents, its challenging nature suggests it's not ideal for beginners.
What is the best time of year to dive the Fish Factory in the Maldives for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Our comprehensive data for the Fish Factory dive site pertains to its location in Goat Island, New Zealand, not the Maldives. Unfortunately, the provided information for the New Zealand site does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general guidance on dive seasons, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to safely dive the Fish Factory in the Maldives?
The Fish Factory dive site detailed in our resources is situated in Goat Island, New Zealand, not the Maldives. Given that the New Zealand site is "more suited for the more experienced and expert divers," an Advanced Open Water certification or higher would be highly recommended to safely manage the potential for deep dives. The data does not specify any required certifications, but experience is key.
How do the currents and overall water conditions typically affect a dive at the Fish Factory in the Maldives?
The information available for the Fish Factory dive site is specific to its location in Goat Island, New Zealand, not the Maldives. The provided data does not detail the typical current conditions or how they affect a dive at this site. However, it does note that the dive can become deep quite easily.