DOUBLE ISLAND - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

J-3 is one of our picks for a leisurely drift when you just want to soak up the reef. You're only about five minutes from shore, and the site itself is shallow, topping out around 9m, making it perfect for a long bottom time. We love drifting over the expansive white sand, watching for the tiny, shy things like Crested Gobies popping up from the substrate, or the flash of a Green Razorfish darting into the sand if you get too close. Then you hit the coral wall. It isn't a dramatic drop like some of Cozumel's famous sites, but it's a vibrant, dense collection of coral heads and crevices, absolutely packed with juvenile parrotfish, blennies, and grunt. We’ve had some cracking encounters here with large Sargassum Triggerfish, just cruising, unfazed by our presence. Keep an eye out for the Ruby Brittle Stars tucked into the darker nooks. Visibility averages a comfortable 13m. This site is brilliant for newer divers or those who prefer a relaxed pace, offering plenty to see without the pressure of strong currents or deep profiles. It’s also our favourite for underwater photography when we’re focusing on macro subjects.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.624200, 175.903500
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Rabbit Island

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 DOUBLE ISLAND

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 DOUBLE ISLAND

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 is the typical diving depth at Double Island Point and nearby dive sites like Wolf Rock?
At Double Island, divers can expect a maximum depth of 10 meters. This makes it a great site for extended bottom times and exploring its walls, pins, and small caves. Information regarding nearby dive sites like Wolf Rock is not available in the provided data.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see when diving at Double Island Point?
Divers at Double Island will find a very fishy environment, teeming with commonly seen New Zealand fish species. The site also boasts a good kelpie reef structure, providing an interactive and vibrant underwater landscape to explore.
How challenging are the dive sites around Double Island Point, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The dive site at Double Island is classified as intermediate difficulty. While it offers entertaining diving with walls, pins, and small caves, its intermediate rating suggests it's best suited for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year to go diving at Double Island Point for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Double Island for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general information on when to dive in New Zealand, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Double Island Point, especially for deeper sites?
The specific scuba diving certifications required to dive at Double Island are not detailed in the provided information. Given its maximum depth of 10 meters, standard open water certification would generally be sufficient, but always check with local dive operators.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like for diving at Double Island Point?
Divers at Double Island can typically expect an average visibility of 4 meters. Information regarding typical current conditions for this site is not available in the provided data.