Orca Bay - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Rocky Bay is shallow, rarely pushing past 11 metres, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's not worth your time. This spot is a macro photographer's dream, a genuine treasure chest of tiny wonders. We love to take it slow here, letting our eyes adjust to the intricate details. You'll find it’s a brilliant place to spot those often-overlooked critters like the Emerald Clingfish tucked into coral heads or the shy Dwarf Wrasse darting between the rocks. The reef itself is a mix of rock formations and coral, creating plenty of nooks and crannies for things to hide. We've often seen Common False Morays peering out from crevices, their small heads almost imperceptible until you’re right on top of them. Keep an eye out for Blackberry Drupes moving along the substrate, or the delicate Slender Filefish swaying gently in the slight surge. The visibility is consistently good, averaging around 17 metres, which makes finding these miniature marvels even easier. Our favourite tip for Rocky Bay is to dive it late afternoon; the changing light brings out different hues in the corals and can make some of the more reclusive creatures a bit bolder. It’s perfect for beginners wanting to hone their buoyancy and for seasoned divers who appreciate the finer points of a reef.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.947300, 176.096600
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Wharekawa Harbour Wildlife Refuge

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 Orca 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 Orca 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