MAMONA BAY - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Parcel da Laje Branca, just a stone's throw from Laje Branca proper, is a spot we always make time for when we're in Arraial. It's a jumble of submerged rock, coral, and sand channels that doesn't scream "deep", topping out around 12 meters. But don't let the shallowness fool you; this place holds a surprising amount of life. We often find ourselves drifting over clouds of porkfish and snapper, the light filtering down onto the rocks where morays peek out from crevices. Our favourite thing here is the sheer density of the smaller stuff. We’ve had great luck spotting banded pipefish tucked into the gorgonians, and it's one of the best spots for glassy sweepers sheltering in the rock overhangs. Keep an eye out for the bigeye stargazer buried in the sand – they’re masters of disguise. Visibility averages around 9 meters, which is plenty for exploring the nooks and crannies. It’s mostly sheltered, but on days when the sea picks up, you can get a gentle current pushing you along, making for an easy drift. This site is brilliant for photographers and anyone who loves to slow down and really observe.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.640000, 175.792500
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 MAMONA 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 MAMONA 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