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.

Do not feed the fish or discharge anything into the water.

Remember to thoroughly clean the exterior of your vessel and anchor before entering the reserve.

Learn more about how to stay and safe and enjoy the water.

Prevent pests from spreading 

Help us keep your favourite spots pest-free for future generations by following these guidelines: 

• Clean your hull out of the water before you leave, including the propeller and anchor. See Guidelines for hull cleaning for more information.
• Clean all recreational gear including fishing and diving gear.
• Check the Marine Pests website for marine biosecurity rules in other regions before leaving Auckland. 

Thorough checking and cleaning minimises the spread of weeds on land and in water. 

The marine reserve offers some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving close to Auckland. From deep reefs and underwater cliffs to sandflats and kelp forests, this reserve offers a range of marine ecosystems to explore.

If you are diving, do not disturb the vulnerable marine life living underneath the rocks. Take care not to:

• break off small fragile animals such as hydroids, lace corals and sponges
• feed fish
• move rocks.

We recommended you swim or dive in pairs. Beginners should keep near the shore to avoid the hidden currents and rips in this bay. We strongly advise snorkelers who are not strong swimmers or not used to swimming in the open sea to wear a wetsuit or life jacket, and take a flotation device, such as a boogie board when snorkelling.

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.

This area is a fantastic place to swim and cool off with the family.

Be aware that the reserve can get very busy in the summer. Be prepared that parking can be limited, the beach can be crowded, and there are no lifeguards present.