Lee Breakwater - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Noritaki, for us, is all about the plate corals. Seriously, so many plates, like a massive, elaborate dinner party thrown by the ocean. It’s pretty shallow too, topping out around 21 metres, which means the light just floods the whole place. We love drifting over these recovering formations, spotting tiny reef inhabitants tucked amongst the frills. Keep an eye out for the Sickle Butterflyfish weaving through, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a Blacktip reef shark cruising the deeper ledge. We’ve also had incredible encounters here just watching mantas glide past on their way to cleaning stations further south. It's a relaxed, beautiful dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to soak in the gentle rhythm of a recovering reef.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-39.055000, 174.044400
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-15m

Marine Protected Area: Sugar Loaf Islands

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 Lee Breakwater

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 Lee Breakwater

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 maximum depth for diving at Lee Breakwater?
The maximum depth for diving at Lee Breakwater is 7 meters. This makes it a relatively shallow shore dive, easily accessible from the Port Taranaki boat ramp car park. Divers can enjoy exploring the reef within this depth range.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see at Lee Breakwater?
Divers at Lee Breakwater can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life. Notable species include seahorses, nudibranch, john dory, korehu, Cod, damsel, and kingfish. There are also opportunities to spot and even catch rock lobsters, adding to the excitement of this dive. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at Lee Breakwater, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Lee Breakwater is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it offers great opportunities for experienced divers, it may not be ideal for absolute beginners due to potential conditions or the nature of the dive site. Divers should have appropriate certification and experience for intermediate dives.
What is the best time of year to dive at Lee Breakwater for good conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Lee Breakwater for optimal conditions. Divers are encouraged to check local weather and sea conditions before planning their trip. For general guidance on dive seasons, you can explore our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Lee Breakwater?
The provided information does not explicitly state specific scuba diving certifications required for Lee Breakwater. However, given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers should possess certifications and experience suitable for such conditions. It is always recommended to dive within your certification limits and consult with local dive operators for specific requirements.
Are there strong currents or challenging conditions at Lee Breakwater?
While the provided data does not explicitly detail strong currents, Lee Breakwater is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive site. This suggests that divers should be prepared for conditions that may present some challenges beyond those found in beginner-level dives. It's always wise to check local conditions and forecasts before diving.