OPITO BAY - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Rock Pile on Klein Bonaire offers a lovely, relaxed dive that we often come back to. We love dropping in here, especially for a second dive of the day, when you want something easy but still engaging. The reef tops out around 10 meters, making it perfect for longer bottom times and really soaking in the details. Keep your eyes peeled for Puffcheek Blennies peeking out from tiny crevices in the coral. We've had great luck spotting larger Hogfish gliding past the brain coral mounds, and the Bluestriped Grunts gather in thick schools, a shimmering curtain of silver and yellow. For macro lovers, there are Reticulated Brittle Stars everywhere, tucked into the sponge, just waiting to be found. The site feels shallow, but there’s plenty to fill a dive, particularly if you’re into spotting smaller reef residents and enjoying a laid-back drift. It’s ideal for photographers or anyone who likes to take their time and explore at a relaxed pace.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.710000, 175.807600
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 OPITO 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 OPITO 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