THE TWINS, Waikato - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Split Rock is one of those sites that just feels… substantial. It’s a huge pinnacle, absolutely massive, and what makes it special is the deep, dramatic crack running right through the middle, like someone took an axe to it. We love dropping into that split, feeling the reef walls close in, then opening up again as you ascend through the fissure. Sunlight filters down, making the soft corals and sea fans blaze with colour – a really vivid mix of purples and yellows. You'll see plenty of the usual reef suspects here, lots of wrasse and parrotfish, but we’ve had some truly memorable encounters with big schools of fusiliers here, swirling so thick they almost block the light. Keep an eye out for those reef sharks cruising the perimeter; they often make an appearance. From May to October, the nearby cleaning stations draw in manta rays, so if you time it right, you might get a bonus encounter before or after your dive here. It's a great spot for photographers looking for interesting topography and dynamic light, and honestly, it’s just a solid, beautiful dive for anyone who appreciates a dramatic reef structure.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.761800, 175.802300
Type
reef

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 TWINS, Waikato

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 TWINS, Waikato

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