Goat Island(marine reserve)

Where?
Goat Island is a marine reserve located north of Auckland near the township of Leigh.

Goat Island is a small island located about 150m off the shore. The reserve was New Zealand’s first (started in 1977). The area is well known for it’s huge snapper and large populations of other species.

When?
Goat Island is generally more sheltered than most other diving locations around Auckland however it is affected by northern winds.

What species?
snapper , red moki, blue mao mao , hiwi hiwi , goatfish, eagle rays, crayfish ,big eye ,parore ,silver drummer ,butterfish ,trevally and piper.

Highlights?
The monster snapper are a big draw card for a lot of people. Other highlights include blue mao mao and parore schooling in the shallows, groups of goatfish feeding on the sand and the abundant crayfish.

Places to go?
Some of the best diving with easy access is between the main beach and the island with lots of big snapper and other species in the shallow water.

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