RED MERCS - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Stingray Point isn't about dramatic drop-offs; it’s about the hunt. You start across a wide sandy channel, feeling the gentle push and pull of the surge, eyes peeled for what’s resting on the bottom. We’ve spotted southern stingrays here, sometimes half-buried, sometimes gliding along with that effortless flap of theirs. Our favorite part is the crack in the rock, about 100 meters long and wide enough to swim comfortably through. It’s usually packed with schoolmaster snapper, their silver scales catching the light as they shimmer in unison. Keep an eye out for spotted eagle rays cruising the channel, especially if you get there early. We’ve even heard whispers of mantas, though we haven't been lucky enough to see one ourselves yet. This site is a solid pick for divers who enjoy a relaxed pace, those who prefer observing the smaller details and the thrill of spotting elusive creatures in the sand. It’s a rewarding dive for patient divers, offering a different flavour than the usual reef dives.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.623500, 175.935000
Type
wall

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 RED MERCS

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 RED MERCS

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