GEM STONE BAY - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Landers is one of those spots where you just drop in and let the current carry you. It's a proper playground, an intricate maze of gullies and crevices carved into the reef, especially around the 20-meter mark. We love poking into every nook and cranny here; it’s where you’ll find those tiny Ringneck Blennies peeking out or a Blotched Fantail Ray tucked into the sand. The coral itself isn't always the big draw; it’s more about the sheer volume of reef fish. You'll swim through schools of Blacktail Chromis and see Bristle-toothed Surgeonfish everywhere. Keep an eye out for the Garrick hunting the smaller fry. For us, the highlight is often those unexpected encounters – a Blacktip shark cruising by in the blue, or the chance of a Whale Shark if the season is right. Visibility can be a bit variable, around 14 meters on average, but that just adds to the adventure. It's a great drift dive for anyone who enjoys exploring a dynamic reef system rather than just one static spot.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.831600, 175.797400
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 GEM STONE 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 GEM STONE 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