THE BOOK CASE - GMI - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

We've always had a soft spot for Wooded Island, especially on those days when the weather just isn't playing ball with the outer sites. It’s tucked away nicely, meaning you usually get a calm entry and exit, even when there's a bit of chop elsewhere. What we love most is the way the kelp sways, creating these beautiful, dappled light shows. You’ll spend most of your time around the 8-12 metre mark, weaving through the kelp forests. The big-belly seahorses are our favourite find here; they’re masters of disguise, so take your time and look closely among the fronds. We’ve spotted them clinging on more than once. You’ll also bump into plenty of snapper and schools of leatherjackets, sometimes so numerous they form a shimmering wall. If you’re lucky, a short-tail stingray might glide past in the sand patches. It’s a superb spot for newer divers, offering a gentle introduction to New Zealand’s temperate diving, but even experienced eyes will find plenty to keep them entertained, especially if you’re into macro life and patient seahorse hunting. We’d suggest going early on a weekday to avoid the crowds, as it can get busy.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.595100, 175.748800

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 THE BOOK CASE - 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 THE BOOK CASE - 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