Takatu Point - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Walk the Dog Wall is pure Fiordland magic, and honestly, we think it’s one of the best ways to experience the unique inverted reef system this region is famous for. You’re descending into what feels like an abyss, a sheer rock face dropping far beyond recreational limits, but the real show is happening in the shallows. The water here is dark, stained by tannin from the rainforest runoff, which means delicate black corals, usually found in deep, dark waters, thrive just a few metres down. It’s wild to see them, along with vibrant red corals, practically within arm’s reach. We love drifting along this wall, letting the sheer scale of the cliff above and below wash over us. Keep an eye out for those schools of butterfly perch, sometimes so thick they look like a shimmering curtain. They’re a real highlight. The dogsharks are frequent visitors, patrolling the ledges, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a leopard seal cruising past. Visibility averages around 5m, which sounds low, but it actually adds to the dramatic, moody atmosphere. This site is perfect for divers who appreciate the extraordinary, who are comfortable in cooler water, and who get a kick out of seeing nature do something truly unexpected.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.362100, 174.863900
Type
wall

Marine Protected Area: Tawharanui

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 Takatu Point

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 Takatu Point

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