Cathedral Cove Dive Ltd - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

The team at Cathedral Cove Dive Ltd are exactly the kind of friendly, no-fuss outfit we love diving with. They’re based in the Hauraki Gulf, right on the doorstep of Goat Island Marine Reserve, and that's their real specialty – easy, guided dives into a protected area that consistently delivers. We always recommend them for divers new to cold water or those looking for a stress-free day of solid temperate diving. Goat Island itself is a stunner, particularly on a calm day when the sun really penetrates. We’ve had some cracking dives there, drifting over kelp forests where huge snapper cruise by with an almost comical nonchalance. The reserve means the fish are well-habituated, so expect some wonderfully close encounters. Look out for crayfish tucked into rocky crevices and big schools of trevally darting through the water column. The visibility can be a bit variable depending on recent weather, but even on a slightly murkier day, the sheer volume of fish makes it worthwhile. Their local knowledge means they’ll get you to the best spots, often dropping you in where you can just drift along with the gentle current. Post-dive, there’s nothing quite like a pie from the local bakery and swapping stories.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.840702, 175.802440
Phone
+64 7 866 3955
Email
[email protected]
Website
http://www.cathedralcovedive.co.nz
Certification Agencies
["PADI"]
Courses
PADI Dive Center [padi:23087]
Address
48 Hahei Beach Road, Hahei 3591, New Zealand

Dive Sites Near Cathedral Cove Dive Ltd

Cathedral Cove Dive Ltd provides access to 15 dive sites in Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf.

Other Dive Centres in Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

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

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 Marine Life

Recommended Packing List for Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

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