Sylvan Park - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

For divers who love a good wreck, the Virgo tugboat in Fernando de Noronha is a real treat. She sits upright at 24 metres, just a short fin-kick from the Taurus, so you get two wrecks for the price of one descent. We love tracing the deck, noting the big mooring bollards up front, and peeking into what was once the control room. The hull is still surprisingly intact, creating plenty of nooks and crannies for life to hide. You’ll find big schools of jacks swirling around the mast, and we’ve often spotted lazy nurse sharks tucked under ledges. The coral and algae growth on the metal is impressive, turning the wreck into a living reef. Keep an eye out for curious hogfish and hamlets, and we’ve even seen some sizable mutton snapper cruising by. Visibility averages around 12 metres, which is usually enough to take in the wreck’s scale and appreciate the blend of metal and marine life. It’s a great dive for anyone who enjoys exploring a bit of history while surrounded by bustling fish.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.777500, 174.769800
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Long Bay-Okura

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 Sylvan Park

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 Sylvan Park

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