BIG BAY - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Big Bay is a surprisingly rewarding spot, often overlooked for its flashier neighbours, but we think it’s a real contender for a relaxed dive. The bay itself is exactly as advertised, big and open, with depths that slowly increase as you venture out. Our favourite line is along the western edge, where those white sand patches meet the kelp forest. That transition zone is where we’ve seen spotted robust triplefins darting in and out, and often the resident John Dory just hanging in the gloom. You’ll spend most of your time exploring the kelp, the sunlight dappling through the fronds, creating this incredible emerald light. Look closely and you might spot a Widebody Pipefish camouflaged amongst the stalks. We’ve had great luck finding red rock lobsters tucked away in crevices, their antennae waving. While the visibility averages 9m, on a calm day, it can push to 12m, making the kelp feel even more expansive. It’s an easy dive, perfect for a long exploration, whether you’re honing your buoyancy or just looking to unwind.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.855300, 175.825300
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Whanganui A Hei

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 BIG BAY

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 BIG BAY

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