Dive-site story
Goat Island forms the core of Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve, New Zealand's oldest fully protected marine area. The seabed transitions from shallow rocky platforms and kelp forests into sand channels, boulder reefs, and deep sponge-encrusted overhangs around the seaward side of the island. Strict decades-long no-take protections allow fish to grow unusually large and show very little fear of divers.
Extensive stands of Ecklonia radiata kelp harboring abundant reef life
Remarkably bold snapper and blue cod approaching divers closely
Dense aggregations of large red rock lobsters sheltering in rocky crevices
Sheltered channel access suitable for easy shore entries
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Late summer and early autumn bring the warmest water temperatures and the most settled sea conditions.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australasian SnapperChrysophrys auratus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Red Rock LobsterJasus edwardsii | Common | ||||||||||||
| Blue MaomaoScorpis violacea | Common | ||||||||||||
| Short-tailed StingrayBathytoshia brevicaudata | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Eagle RayMyliobatis tenuicaudatus | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Blue CodParapercis colias | Common |
Marine forecast
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