Little Ohinau - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Opito Bay, just a short hop from Goat Island, has always been a bit of a local secret, even with its recent scallop bed closure. We love it because it’s a brilliant reminder that you don’t need dramatic walls or colourful corals to find incredible life. This is a sandy bottom dive, maxing out at 13 metres, but don’t let that fool you. On a good day, with visibility around eight metres, you’ll find the bottom crawling with surprises. We’ve spent hours here, noses to the sand, spotting octopus peeking from shells, a parade of sea slugs in every colour, and gurnards scuttling past. Our favourite part? The sheer number of triplefins – mottled, spotted, blue dot, oblique-swimming – they’re everywhere, flitting over every ripple. We’ve even had fleeting visits from lemon sole and the occasional blue shark cruising by. It’s a macro photographer’s dream and a perfect spot for divers who love slow, observant dives, especially when you’re done with the usual reef hustle.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.716100, 175.884800

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 Little Ohinau

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 Little Ohinau

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 Little Ohinau, and are there options for different experience levels?
At Little Ohinau, the maximum diving depth is 15m, making it accessible for various skill levels. While Turtle Cove is recommended for more experienced divers due to strong currents, other areas like Little O Bay likely offer options for less experienced individuals.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Little Ohinau?
Divers at Little Ohinau can explore a steep reef with a protruding weed edge, which is great for both divers and free divers. You can commonly spot marine life such as kingfish and porae, and occasionally even boar fish, adding to the rich biodiversity of the underwater ecosystem.
How challenging is diving at Little Ohinau, especially considering currents and specific areas like Turtle Cove?
Diving at Little Ohinau is generally considered intermediate in difficulty. Divers should be aware of strong currents, particularly around the edges of the dive sites. Turtle Cove, in particular, is recommended for more experienced divers due to these challenging current conditions.
When is the best time of year to dive Little Ohinau for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Little Ohinau for optimal conditions or visibility. For general guidance on seasonal diving in New Zealand, you may consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Little Ohinau?
The available information for Little Ohinau does not specify recommended or required scuba diving certifications. Given its intermediate difficulty and strong currents in certain areas, divers should ensure they possess appropriate training and experience for such conditions.
What are the typical current conditions and water visibility like at Little Ohinau?
At Little Ohinau, divers can expect an average visibility of 9m, offering clear views of the underwater landscape. However, it's important to be prepared for strong currents, especially around the edges of the dive sites, which can add to the challenge.