HOME BAY - GMI - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Mabouya Garden feels like one of those sites you could dive repeatedly and still find something new. We love dropping in on the north side of Mabouya Island, where the reef wall starts around 5m and slopes down to about 17m. It’s an easy dive, making it ideal for those who prefer to really take their time exploring the nooks and crannies. The corals here are in really good shape, a mix of brain and plate corals creating plenty of hiding spots. Keep your eyes peeled for the smaller stuff – we’ve often spotted Blackfin Blennies peeking out from tiny holes and even the elusive Little Post Horn Squid drifting past. French Grunts school tightly in the crevices, and we’ve had good luck with Spotted Soapfish near the sandy patches. While the current description mentions larger pelagics, in our experience, the real magic is in the macro life and the sheer density of reef fish. We’d suggest going slow, hugging the wall, and letting your eyes adjust to the subtle movements. It’s a great spot for photographers keen on patience.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.613300, 175.772200
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 HOME BAY - GMI

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 HOME BAY - GMI

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 Home Bay - GMI on Great Mercury Island?
At Home Bay - GMI, divers can expect a maximum depth of 15 meters. This makes it a suitable site for a range of certification levels, offering accessible diving opportunities.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Home Bay - GMI?
Divers at Home Bay - GMI will encounter a sandy bottom with big patches of sea grass, particularly in the former scallop fields. A notable feature is "The sisters," a two-part broken reef that is popular with spearos, offering interesting topography to explore for various marine life. Please note the scallop beds have been shut down until at least 2023 due to their very poor condition.
How challenging is the Home Bay - GMI dive site for different skill levels of scuba divers?
The Home Bay - GMI dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is suitable for divers with some experience beyond entry-level certifications, offering a rewarding challenge.
What is the best time of year or season to go scuba diving at Home Bay - GMI for optimal conditions?
The provided data for Home Bay - GMI does not specify the best time of year or season for optimal diving conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive resource.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required or recommended to dive at Home Bay - GMI?
Given that Home Bay - GMI is classified as an intermediate dive site, it is recommended that divers possess certifications beyond entry-level. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience to comfortably navigate the site's conditions and features.
What are the typical current and water conditions, including any restrictions, at the Home Bay - GMI dive site?
At Home Bay - GMI, divers can expect an average visibility of 8 meters. While specific current information is not provided, the site is noted as a safe haven for boats. A significant restriction is that the scallop beds have been shut down until at least 2023 due to their very poor condition.