PEACH GROVE - GMI - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Scott’s Reef is a site we’ve always enjoyed for its immediate visual impact. You drop in and it’s right there, a proper wall, but the real show starts when you push off for a couple of minutes in either direction. That’s when you find the real texture of the place – the cracks and overhangs that give it character. It’s not just a flat drop, it’s got these architectural elements. We love the shallower sections here, especially for the light. It hits the corals and you get these almost electric purples and oranges. Keep an eye out for the angelfish darting between the soft corals; they’re bold here. Visibility sits around 17m on an average day, which is enough to appreciate the scale of the wall without feeling overwhelmed. Our favourite is spotting the small giant clams tucked into crevices, their mantles flaring with iridescent colours. It’s a site that rewards taking your time and really looking into the details of the reef structure. Expect to see plenty of triggerfish patrolling their territories and the occasional turtle gliding past. Tawny nurse sharks make an appearance sometimes, usually just cruising by the deeper parts of the wall. This site is great for divers who appreciate a good wall dive with plenty of nooks to explore, offering a sense of discovery beyond the initial drop.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.640600, 175.805900
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 PEACH GROVE - GMI

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 PEACH GROVE - GMI

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