About | Goat Island Marine Reserve
Goat Island is New Zealand’s first marine reserve and is now a popular destination in the summertime to see fish and other sea life. A must-do experience for everyone visiting Auckland as it’s one of the best places to see marine life so close to shore. Grab your snorkel, there’s lots to see in the water. If you don’t want to get wet, there’s clear kayaks and a glass-bottom boat so you don’t have to miss out on the fun.
Goat Island is named after the island that sits about 100m from shore. The island is a nature reserve, no landing is permitted.
As it is a marine reserve, marine life is protected – this means that fishing is not allowed, as well as taking anything home, including seashells. This way, everyone is able to see this place in its natural habitat.
If you don’t have any snorkelling gear, don’t worry! There are several places for you to hire snorkelling gear from, as well as guided snorkelling and diving tours.
The best time to visit is in February or March, when the temperatures are warmer and when there is less than one meters swell. Visibility in the water is worse when there has been a lot of rainfall and swell.
Take the pathway to the right and you’ll end up at the Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre just at the top of the hill. It’s a fantastic place to learn more about New Zealand’s marine ecosystems. The kids will really enjoy the interactive displays and touch tank.
If you’re up for a walk, carry on from the Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre to do the Goat Island Walkway where you’ll be able to see some awesome views of Goat Island, Pakiri and Little Barrier Island. It’s 45 minutes one way.
Facilities: toilets and changing rooms. Outside, cold water shower. Closest shops are in Leigh.
Nearby
Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre
Location
Photos
If you walk further along you’ll come across rock pools. At low tide, you’ll be able to walk to Pakiri, a return trip takes a few hours.
