The Golf ball/ Car Park - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Zorglub. Even the name sounds like a comic book villain, and honestly, the dive delivers a bit of that dramatic flair. This isn't a deep dive, peaking at 19 metres, but it's a brilliant introduction to overhead environments without being overly intimidating. We love how the tunnels are constantly pierced by those magnificent shafts of light; it really makes the whole place feel alive. Inside, it’s a macro feast. You’ll be pushing aside hatchet fish – literally, they can be that thick – as you navigate through. Look closely for things like the tiny Electric Flame Scallop or the colourful Variable Stromb clinging to the walls. Good buoyancy is essential here, not just for safety but to really appreciate the delicate life within and avoid silting up the tight spaces. On the outside, we've spotted humpback parrotfish cruising by and even the occasional tuna if you keep an eye on the blue. Zorglub offers a perfect blend of easy cave exploration and fascinating macro photography, making it a standout for intermediate divers keen to explore something a little different.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.929300, 175.857300
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: Whanganui A Hei

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 Golf ball/ Car 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 The Golf ball/ Car 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