Jones Bay - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

May Tag sits on the northeast side of a passage towards Vatu-i-Ra, a site we often suggest for a mellow drift dive. The main draw here is the soft purple coral that carpets the pinnacle and a connected wall, particularly striking when the light hits it just right. We’ve seen whitetip reef sharks cruise by, and if you look closely, there are ostrich gobies and ghost cardinalfish tucked among the corals. It’s a shallower dive, maxing out around 24 meters, making it a good choice for those who want a relaxed pace without missing out on that signature Somosomo Strait colour. Dive it on an outgoing tide for the best drift experience.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.379200, 174.819100
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Tawharanui

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 Jones 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 Jones 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Jones Bay, New Zealand?
Jones Bay offers a relatively shallow diving experience, making it ideal for various skill levels. The maximum depth recorded at this site is 7 meters. Divers can explore a sandy sloping bottom and a significant reef structure within this depth range at Jones Bay.
What marine life can divers expect to see when diving at Jones Bay?
Divers at Jones Bay can anticipate a vibrant array of marine life. You'll often encounter schools of fish, along with larger species like stingrays, eagle rays, snapper, and kingfish. Keep an eye out for fascinating smaller creatures such as nudibranchs and octopus, adding to the rich biodiversity of the site. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is Jones Bay a suitable dive site for beginner or less experienced divers?
Absolutely, Jones Bay is an excellent location for new divers and those looking to gain more experience. Its sandy sloping bottom and significant reef structure provide shelter from currents, creating a comfortable environment for learning. This makes it a fantastic spot to build confidence and refine your diving skills.
When is the best time to dive at Jones Bay, considering both seasons and tides?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time to dive at Jones Bay concerning specific seasons or tidal conditions. We recommend checking local dive operators or a dedicated when-to-dive resource for the most current and accurate information regarding optimal diving periods for this site.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Jones Bay?
The provided information does not explicitly state specific scuba diving certifications required for Jones Bay. However, given its 'intermediate' difficulty rating and suitability for learning, an Open Water Diver certification is generally recommended as a minimum for most dive sites of this nature. Always consult with local dive centers for their specific requirements.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions like at Jones Bay?
At Jones Bay, divers can expect average visibility of around 5 meters. The site also features a significant reef structure that offers shelter from currents, contributing to a more comfortable diving experience. While currents can be present, the sheltered areas make it manageable for divers.