GOAT ISLAND & TAWHARANUI MARINE RESERVES

EXPERIENCE GOAT ISLAND NEW ZEALAND’S FIRST MARINE RESERVE

New Zealand’s first marine reserve, better known as Goat Island was created in 1975 and officially opened in 1977.

Goat Island or Te Hāwere-a-Maki is a tiny island (approximately 1 hectare or 2.5 acres) in New Zealand located close to the North Island coast, north of Auckland, northeast of Warkworth, and directly west of Little Barrier Island. It is within Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve.

The island is spiritually significant to the local Māori tribe, Ngāti Manuhiri, because their ancestral waka (canoe), Moe Karaka, is said to have landed nearby

Famous for its big Snapper, blue Maomao and many other species of fish in easy access to shore. On the exposed side of Goat Island there is a drop off which offers a variety of life or you can dive in the more sheltered eastern side of Goat island. Its suits all abilities and is a perfect way to relax and take in the amazing underwater environment.

The marine reserve is ideal for children to experience snorkelling and see marine life in numbers not seen anywhere else on the coast.

New Zealand Diving offers a one day charter to our marine reserves with two Dives. Dive from our boat Midnight diver and get to see areas unreachable from the shore. See the wild side of Goat Island.

This an excellent site for beginners and those wishing to refresh their dive skills. New to diving if you want to try a dive – this is a perfect place to do it!

Meeting at our dive centre, we will then head out to Omaha boat ramp to launch to the dive sites. Depending on the weather conditions we choose a marine reserve to dive. It is possible to dive both on one day.

You can SAVE money if you have your own gear, which you can purchase directly from our online store as we have some GREAT offers. If you prefer you can come to the shop and get some professional advice so we can help set you up for the future.

Alternatively, contact us directly if you already have your own gear, or you just need tanks and weights for the dive.

Why not take advantage of our unique multi -combination charter package and dive several locations at a discounted price? Select the button below to view details.

UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS

Diving is an adventure activity that includes risk to your person. Under New Zealand law we are we required to notify you of the following statement.

You accept that this activity inherently involves risks and potential hazards. The risks and hazards include, but are not limited to breathing compressed gas, marine traffic, marine life, decompression sickness, drowning, barotrauma, air embolism, decompression illness, dehydration, gas narcosis, malfunctioning equipment, ear problems, sun damage, hyperthermia, hypothermia, sea sickness, and adverse weather events.

These activities are run in the outdoors on the ocean, so may be exposed to sudden natural disasters such as, but not limited to Tsunami, Earthquakes, Slips Landslides or Rock Falls, or Volcanic Eruption. I am aware that participating in the activities offered by New Zealand Diving Limited can be hazardous even if they are conducted with care, control, and responsibility. You acknowledge that these risks could result in my injury (physical or mental) or even death.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please read our terms & conditions found on our website page, frequently asked questions before booking: https://nzdiving.co.nz/faq/

Sometimes our activities may have to be rescheduled due to situations outside of our control, such as poor weather. Please note we reschedule in such situations, as described in our terms and conditions.

Overseas participants are advised to carry travel insurance in case rescheduling is unsuitable.

All participants must be of good health and complete a medical declaration. This is available on our website: https://nzdiving.co.nz/faq/

All participants must be diving certified to dive on a charter or undergoing a diving course with New Zealand Diving Limited.

All participants must be able to swim a minimum of 200m, unassisted.

Our day starts meeting at New Zealand Diving in Warkworth. Divers meet at around 08:30 to head out to the launch site

One dive is conducted in the morning and one in the afternoon. A surface interval will be conducted in between.

Dives will be taken at two different sites during the day. Customers can expect to be back at Omaha by 15:00.

Remember to bring an appropriate change of clothes, lunch or snacks, water and sunscreen. Dive gear is provided upon request.