Lake Rotoma - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Nabaibai Passage is a real departure from the usual Somosomo Strait drift. We’re talking proper cave diving here, though calling it a cave might be a bit grand; it's more of a very long, very dark tunnel that cuts clean through the reef. You drop down, usually to about 10 meters, and then you’re into the gloom. Torches are non-negotiable, obviously. Without them, it’s just black. But flick that beam on, and the walls come alive with all sorts of creatures that prefer the dark. We always spot moray eels tucked into crevices, their heads poking out like grumpy old men, and big potato groupers often cruise through, not quite sure what to make of the sudden light. The walls themselves are fascinating, covered in filter feeders and a surprising number of cowries, like the Ivory Cowry, clinging on. It’s an easy dive, nothing technical, just a straightforward swim from one side to the other. The feeling of swimming through the reef, then popping out into the bright blue on the other side, is incredibly satisfying. Visibility inside hovers around 13 meters, which is plenty for the space. We’d suggest this one for anyone comfortable with low light and ready for something a bit different than just another wall.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-38.056600, 176.575200
Type
cave

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 Lake Rotoma

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 Lake Rotoma

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