Explore Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve (Goat Island)

Best known as Goat Island, Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve lies north of Auckland, and was New Zealand’s first marine reserve.

With some of the best snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking and swimming in the Auckland region, there’s no shortage of things to do and places to explore on this little piece of paradise.

Things to do

Kayak: What better way to explore the turquoise waters and its ecosystem than through a clear kayak? Otherwise known as Clearyaks, as you paddle through the stunningly clear waters of the Goat Island Marine Reserve, you’ll get to see a variety of fish such as snapper, blue maomao and perhaps even some eagle rays and stingrays. This one-of-a-kind tourist activity is high on our must-do list, and is well worth a paddle.

Dive & Snorkel: With some of the clearest waters in the Auckland region, Goat Island is hands down one of the best places to go snorkelling, or for those with a license, go scuba diving.

With guided dive tours, guided snorkel experiences, and learn to dive courses where you can get dive certified, this is one of the most stunning places in New Zealand to experience the beauty of the underwater creatures that rule our oceans.

Glass Bottom Boat: For those who would rather stay out of the water, taking a cruise around the island on a glass bottom boat is a perfect way to experience the creatures beneath us while learning about the history, preservation and protection of New Zealand’s first marine reserve.

Goat Island Walkway: This 45-minute return walk is one of the best ways to explore the island on foot, traversing the coast part way to Cape Rodney and overlooking the stunning reserve. In the distance you can see Hauturu or Little Barrier Island, a rat-free nature reserve that is home to tuatara, giant weta and a huge variety of native birds.

Transport

There are a number of ways to get to Goat Island, depending on where you’re coming from. 

To plan the best route from your destination, visit the Auckland Transport website here or download the AT Mobile app on Google Play or via the App Store.