PANCAKE ROCKS - MIDDLE ISLAND - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Saint Kilda's Rocks is a cracker of a dive, even if the five-metre average visibility sometimes feels more like a suggestion than a rule. You're barely offshore from Jimmy Armers Beach, a quick three-minute boat ride, and immediately, you're into this dense, swaying kelp forest. It’s a good 5-12 metre dive, perfect for soaking in the details rather than chasing depth. What we really love here is the sheer density of life hiding in that kelp. We've often found ourselves eye-to-eye with a Cape Shark tucked into the fronds, their speckled skin blending right in. Spotty and Razorback fish dart through the stalks, and if you look closely, you might even spot an Olive Anemone clinging to the rock. Our favourite trick is to find a quiet eddy and just hover, letting the kelp sway around us, watching the Pug-nosed Eels peek out from rocky crevices. It’s a calmer dive, usually without strong current, and well-suited to divers who appreciate the intricate beauty of a temperate reef and aren't put off by the greener, sometimes gloomier light that comes with thick kelp.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.639100, 175.861300

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 PANCAKE ROCKS - MIDDLE ISLAND

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 PANCAKE ROCKS - MIDDLE ISLAND

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 maximum depth for diving at Pancake Rocks - Middle Island?
The maximum depth for diving at Pancake Rocks - Middle Island is 12 meters. This makes it an accessible site for many divers, allowing for extended bottom times and exploration of its unique rock formations and features.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Pancake Rocks - Middle Island?
Divers at Pancake Rocks - Middle Island can explore fascinating underwater features including great cracks, gullies, and an archway perfect for swimming through. The site is characterized by a kelpy rocky reef, hosting standard sealife. It's also noted as a great spot for photographers and those with a GoPro to capture the unique environment and marine inhabitants.
How challenging is the diving at Pancake Rocks - Middle Island for different skill levels?
Diving at Pancake Rocks - Middle Island is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it offers unique features like cracks and an archway, its exposed nature suggests some experience with varying conditions might be beneficial. This makes it a suitable challenge for divers looking to expand their skills beyond beginner sites.
What are the optimal tide and weather conditions for diving at Pancake Rocks - Middle Island?
The provided data for Pancake Rocks - Middle Island does not specify optimal tide or weather conditions. However, it is noted as an exposed site, which typically means it can be affected by prevailing weather and sea states. Despite being exposed, the site usually offers great visibility, making it enjoyable when conditions are favorable. For general guidance on planning your dives, you can consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Pancake Rocks - Middle Island?
Given the intermediate difficulty rating for Pancake Rocks - Middle Island, a certification beyond Open Water Diver, such as Advanced Open Water Diver, would be recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary experience and skills to comfortably navigate the site's exposed nature and explore its cracks, gullies, and archway. Always dive within your certification limits and comfort level.
Are there strong currents or surge to be aware of when diving at Pancake Rocks - Middle Island?
The data for Pancake Rocks - Middle Island does not explicitly mention strong currents or surge. However, the description states that "This site is exposed," which often implies a higher potential for currents or surge, especially during certain tide cycles or weather conditions. Divers should always assess conditions on site and be prepared for varying water movements.