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