Matapaua Bay - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Phuket in the Loyalty Islands isn’t about dramatic drop-offs, but a surprisingly rich reef that begs for a slow, unhurried dive. We love meandering through the smaller canyons and tunnels here, where the light plays off the gorgonian walls, making them seem to pulse. Keep an eye out for the vibrant Christmas tree worms popping out of the porite coral heads; they’re truly striking. This spot is a macro photographer’s dream, with plenty of cowries – the lined-lip and carnelian are our favourites – and we’ve spotted orangutan crabs in the bubble coral more than once. The maximum depth of 20m means you get plenty of bottom time to really explore. We’d suggest going in the morning; the visibility averages 20m, and the early light really enhances the colours. It’s an easy, relaxing dive, perfect for those who enjoy taking their time and discovering the smaller wonders.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.740300, 175.808900
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 Matapaua 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 Matapaua 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 Matapaua Bay?
The maximum diving depth at Matapaua Bay is 12 meters, making it an excellent location for shallower dives. This depth range is ideal for divers looking for accessible and relaxed underwater experiences.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Matapaua Bay?
Divers at Matapaua Bay can explore a diverse underwater landscape featuring a sandy bay in the middle, flanked by shallow rocky reefs on either side. These reefs are home to standard New Zealand kelp and offer great interactions with various marine species.
How challenging is diving at Matapaua Bay for different skill levels?
Matapaua Bay is generally considered great for beginner divers, including those with OW1 and OW2 certifications. While the overall difficulty is rated as intermediate, its shallow depths make it very approachable for less experienced divers.
What are the best times of year or conditions to go diving in Matapaua Bay?
To enjoy the best conditions at Matapaua Bay, it's advisable to avoid periods with strong SE winds and swell, as these are the worst for the bay. During summer, be cautious of heavy boat traffic, and note that visibility can be significantly affected by rain. For more general advice, check our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are needed to dive at Matapaua Bay?
Matapaua Bay is well-suited for divers holding Open Water 1 (OW1) and Open Water 2 (OW2) certifications. Its beginner-friendly nature means that entry-level certified divers can comfortably explore its underwater features.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like for diving in Matapaua Bay?
The average visibility at Matapaua Bay is 7 meters, though it can be very silty and significantly reduced by rain. Divers should also be aware that SE winds and swell create the worst conditions for the bay, impacting overall water conditions.