Goat Island

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Introduction

Cape Rodney-Okakari Point lies north of Auckland. The marine reserve offers some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities close to Auckland. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, kayaking and walking on the beach.

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Find things to do and places to stay Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve (Goat Island)

The nearest boat launching ramp to the marine reserve is in Leigh Harbour (also called Omaha Cove), just below the township of Leigh. Boaties are welcome to navigate and anchor carefully in the reserve.

Extra caution may be needed in some areas because of the number of divers and swimmers. Do not exceed five knots within 200 m of the shore or a dive flag, or within 50 m of any other boat or person in the water.

Boats can enter the marine reserve after fishing outside its boundaries, but fishing rods should be stowed out of sight while visiting the marine reserve. Remember, do not feed the fish or discharge anything into the water.

Beneath the waves is a variety of habitats with its own creatures: seaweed forests provide nurseries for scores of coastal animals, while deeper waters host sea squirts, anemones, sponges, and tube worms.

We recommended visitors swim or dive in pairs. Snorkelers, particularly those who are not strong swimmers or used to swimming in the open sea, are strongly advised to wear a wetsuit or life jacket, or take another flotation device such as a boogie board when snorkelling in the marine reserve. Beginners should keep near the shore to avoid the deceptive currents and rips in this bay.

If you don’t want to get into the water, you can see the marine reserve by kayak, or kayak around Te Hāwere-a-Maki/Goat Island. This island, 150 m offshore, is included in the marine reserve. Kayaks can be hired at Leigh, and on Goat Island Road on the way to the marine reserve.

Inexperienced paddlers should take care with the sea conditions and currents.

No dogs allowed

To protect our native wildlife, dogs are not allowed anywhere in this place.

Protect our marine reserves
  • No fishing of any kind.
  • Don't take or kill marine life.
  • Don't remove or disturb any marine life or materials.
  • Don't feed fish - it disturbs their natural behaviour.
  • Take care when anchoring to avoid damaging the sea floor.

Contacts

Auckland information
Phone:   +64 7 867 9080
Email:   kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz
About:   Kauaeranga Visitor Centre provides visitor information for this area
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