Volkner Rocks Marine reserve - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Volkner Rocks offers a dive into a rocky reef system, where crevices and boulders provide shelter for various local species. We've often seen snapper and kahawai schooling here, alongside crayfish hiding in the deeper cracks. The site suits divers comfortable with a boat entry and looking for a genuine taste of New Zealand's temperate diving, without the drama of tropical reefs.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-37.479286, 177.128360

Marine Protected Area: Te Paepae o Aotea

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 Volkner Rocks Marine reserve

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 Volkner Rocks Marine reserve

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