Goat Island

Auckland

Grab your snorkel and fins and head out to Goat Island Marine Reserve. In 1975, several hundred hectares of sea surrounding Goat Island was declared New Zealand's first marine reserve. In the years since then, aquatic life has regenerated to such a degree that it is now possible to get a glimpse of what the Gulf would have been like underwater before European settlement, coastal development and overfishing. Marine life abounds, including corals, crustaceans, seaweed, snapper, barracuda, gurnard and kahawai. The Glass Bottom Boat operates from Goat Island Marine Reserve and allows visitors to view the marine life with full commentary (and without getting wet!). Take the 45 minute trip around the island, or a 30 minute tour of the inner reef area. In warmer weather you can get closer to the action by swimming or snorkelling around the reef on your own accord.