Rarotonga Bay - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

The SS Wairarapa at Miners Head is one of our favourite wreck dives in the Poor Knights, precisely because it’s not really a wreck anymore. What you’ll find is less a ship and more a series of broken metal chunks, draped in kelp and sponges, scattered across a shallow sandy bottom. It's a fantastic spot for pottering about, especially if you love finding things tucked away. We often spend a good hour just exploring the larger sections of twisted steel, peering into crevices where painted wrasse dart in and out. The depth averages around 15 metres, so there’s plenty of bottom time to be had. Look closely and you’ll spot nudibranchs crawling over the encrusting corals, and often a decent number of red rock lobsters peeking out from under the broken plating. It’s also a good place to keep an eye out for a smooth skate gliding across the sand. We'd suggest going on a calm day, as a strong northeasterly swell can make it quite a bumpy experience. This site really suits divers who enjoy a relaxed exploration, not a deep penetration dive, and those who appreciate how a wreck can become a vibrant part of the reef.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.849800, 175.820200
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Whanganui A Hei

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 Rarotonga 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 Rarotonga 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