Wooded Island - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

The B26 de Lavasina is a wreck we always recommend for divers who appreciate a bit of history with their nitrogen narcosis. This isn't just a pile of metal; it's a beautifully preserved B-26 Marauder bomber, shot down in 1944. You can still make out the fuselage shape, the engines, and parts of the wings, often lying in calm, clear water, which makes navigation a breeze. We’ve spent hours here, tracing the outline, imagining its final moments. The real joy, though, is how marine life has utterly taken over. Schools of barracuda hang motionless in the blue above the wreck, sometimes so thick they cast a shadow. Inside the bomb bay, conger eels peer out from behind rusted bulkheads, their eyes glinting in your torch beam. Look closely at the metal itself, and you'll find nudibranchs crawling across the corroded surfaces. We particularly love the way the light filters down, creating an almost ethereal glow around the structure. It’s a dive that offers both a poignant historical connection and a vibrant display of Mediterranean life, making it a truly rewarding experience for wreck enthusiasts.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.588800, 174.885100
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Wooded Island

Year Sunk
1945
Vessel Type
aircraft
Cause
scuttled

On February 4, 1945, a Martin B-26G Marauder medium bomber was returning to its base in Corsica after a successful mission over Italy. During the flight, the aircraft developed serious engine trouble, and the pilot quickly determined he would not be able to make a safe landing on shore. He expertly ditched the plane in the sea just off the coast of Lavasina, near Bastia. The controlled water landing was a success, and all six crew members were able to escape the sinking aircraft and were promptly rescued.

The B-26 of Lavasina now rests on a sandy bottom at a depth of 27 meters and is a fantastic dive for wreck enthusiasts. The aircraft is broken into two main sections, with the cockpit and forward fuselage separated from the tail and wings, all lying in close proximity. The cockpit is a highlight, with the pilot's and co-pilot's seats and control yokes still visible. Divers can also explore the engines, propellers, and even spot the machine guns still in their mounts. The wreck attracts a good amount of marine life, including moray eels and congers, making it a captivating dive that combines military history with underwater nature.

Marine Protected Area: Kohatutara

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 Wooded Island

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 Wooded Island

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for scuba diving at Wooded Island?
Wooded Island offers a diverse depth range, typically from 5 meters to 18 meters, making it suitable for various skill levels. The maximum depth recorded for this site is 16 meters. This range allows for both shallow, leisurely dives and slightly deeper explorations.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Wooded Island?
Divers exploring Wooded Island can anticipate a vibrant array of marine life and underwater features. You'll frequently encounter species such as Wrasse, Octopus, Snapper, Kahawai, Sting Rays, Eagle Rays, and numerous Leather Jackets. The site is also characterized by extensive Kelp beds, providing a rich habitat for these creatures.
Is Wooded Island a difficult dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Wooded Island is described as a sheltered site, making it an excellent location for learning to dive or for simple, relaxed dives. While it is generally considered suitable for beginners due to its sheltered nature, the site is officially rated with an intermediate difficulty. This suggests that while parts are beginner-friendly, divers should be aware of potential intermediate challenges.
What is the best time of year or conditions to dive at Wooded Island?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or particular conditions for diving at Wooded Island. However, it is noted as a sheltered site, which generally implies more consistent and calmer conditions. Divers can typically expect an average visibility of 8 meters at this popular location. For more detailed seasonal information, refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Wooded Island?
The provided information does not specify particular scuba diving certifications required to dive at Wooded Island. Given its suitability for learning to dive and its sheltered nature, it is likely accessible to certified open water divers. Always check with local dive operators in Goat Island for specific requirements and guidance.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at the Wooded Island dive site?
Wooded Island is characterized as a sheltered site, which typically means calmer water conditions and reduced currents. Divers can generally expect an average visibility of 8 meters at this popular location. For up-to-date current and temperature information, it's always best to consult local dive centers before your dive.