Explore a Vast Variety of Marine Life
at Goat Island New Zealand

Goat Island New Zealand, is a prime destination for seekers of underwater adventure. The Goat Island Marine Reserve, also known as the Leigh Marine Reserve, or the Cape Rodney to Okakari Point Marine Reserve, stretches five kilometers (about three miles) along New Zealand’s coast. Its amazing diversity of marine life is protected by the New Zealand government, but the reserve also welcomes tourists who wish to see and enjoy amazing and exotic underwater creatures.

The reserve is named after Goat Island– a small isle just 137 off the coast of New Zealand. You can get to Goat Island in relatively little time by scuba diving, swimming, kayaking, or snorkelling. Along the way, you’ll observe a variety of beautiful, interesting, and friendly fish. Some of the snapper fish in the area can get as old as people; many are fifty or sixty years old. Other animals visitors might encounter include goatfish, red crayfish, sea stars and cucumbers, octopus, squid, and elaborate corals.

Because of the extremely hospitable environment for marine life as well as special protection and cultivation measures that have been in place since 1975, undersea creatures have thrived in the Goat Island reserve. In a relatively small area, you’ll find literally thousands of fish from hundreds of species; the fish are extremely well-adjusted to human visits and will let divers come close and even take photographs.

The water temperature near Goat Island, New Zealand, is suitable for swimming and diving in all seasons; even in winter, it rarely goes below 13 degrees Celsius (or 55.4 degrees Fahrenheit). Summer peak temperatures can be as high as 22 degrees Celsius (or 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit). The currents are small and not an obstruction to swimming, and the entire area is relatively shallow.

The depth of the reserve ranges from 2 to 10 meters in most places, and up to about 25 meters in the more remote parts of the Goat Island Marine Reserve. With proper diving equipment and caution, you can enjoy a safe, fulfilling swim in all parts of the reserve at any time of year.

Because it’s a reserve for wild marine life, Goat Island, New Zealand, does not contain many of the amenities common to other New Zealand vacation destinations. You won’t be able to purchase food or drinks there, and you’ll find no trash cans to throw anything away.

Tourists are advised to bring their own New Zealand food and drink as well as to take back any waste left over. Visitors can enjoy many pleasant hours exploring the underwater reaches of the reserve, but they are responsible for providing their own nourishment in the meantime.