ROCKY BAY - GMI - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Tahi Nui is our pick for a wreck dive in Moorea that actually feels like a wreck dive. Forget a few scattered planks; this is a proper boat, resting upright on a sandy bottom at 23 metres. We love dropping down and seeing the deck come into view, the mast still reaching for the surface, now completely encrusted in coral. The ship itself is a spectacle of growth. You’ll find peppered squirrelfish darting into shadowed nooks and schools of iridescent bicolor chromis shimmering over the railings. Look closely for dew-drop cowries clinging to the older coral growth. Our favourite part? The stern, where a stunning colony of rose-shaped corals has taken hold, a vibrant pink against the darker hull. It’s an easy dive, current-wise, but offers enough to explore that you'll want a second look. Ideal for open water divers comfortable with depth, it’s a wonderful example of how quickly nature reclaims and transforms. We often see humphead unicornfish patrolling the perimeter, and on a good day, the occasional turtle will glide by, making a pass over the deck. Visibility is usually a good 20 metres, so you get a wide view of the wreck as you descend.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.593000, 175.786200
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10-25m

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 ROCKY BAY - 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 ROCKY BAY - 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Rocky Bay - GMI?
The maximum depth for diving at Rocky Bay - GMI is 16m. The middle of the bay features deeper parts with extensive kelpie reef systems, offering a good area to explore within this depth range.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Rocky Bay - GMI?
Divers at Rocky Bay - GMI can expect to explore huge kelpie reef systems and a standard kelpie rocky bottom interspersed with white sand patches. Marine life is abundant, with plenty of fish and crayfish, and it's often a good spot to see rays and even orcas. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is Rocky Bay - GMI suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered a more challenging dive site?
Rocky Bay - GMI is described as a nice spot for some easy diving, making it suitable for divers looking for a relaxed experience. With a maximum depth of 16m, it offers accessible conditions for various skill levels.
When is the best time of year to dive at Rocky Bay - GMI for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Rocky Bay - GMI for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. However, the site offers an average visibility of 14m, suggesting generally good conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Rocky Bay - GMI?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed for Rocky Bay - GMI, its description as "easy diving" with a maximum depth of 16m suggests it is suitable for Open Water certified divers. We always recommend diving within your certification limits and with appropriate equipment.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at Rocky Bay - GMI?
Divers at Rocky Bay - GMI can expect good water clarity, with an average visibility of 14m. The data does not provide specific details on typical currents, but the site is described as an easy diving spot.