Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve (Goat Island)
Located in the Auckland region
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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.Image gallery
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Visitors and boat around the shoreline of Cape Rodney-Okakari Marine Reserve Image: | DOC
![Visitors and boat around the shoreline of Cape Rodney-Okakari Marine Reserve.]( "Visitors and boat around the shoreline of Cape Rodney-Okakari Marine Reserve.")
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Cape Rodney rocks Image: Piotr Zurek | Creative Commons
![Cape Rodney rocks.]( "Cape Rodney rocks.")
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Goat Island Image: Russell Street | Creative Commons
![Goat Island.]( "Goat Island.")
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Goat Island seen from Cape Rodney Image: Piotr Zurek | Creative Commons
![Goat Island seen from Cape Rodney.]( "Goat Island seen from Cape Rodney.")
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Goat Island coast looking towards Pakiri beach Image: Alex Schwab | Creative Commons
![Goat Island coast looking towards Pakiri beach.]( "Goat Island coast looking towards Pakiri beach.")
Video
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.
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.
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.
The marine reserve is about one and a half hours’ drive north of Auckland, near Leigh. Take SH1 to Warkworth and follow the Goat Island Marine Reserve signs.
Only swim/snorkel when conditions are calm and safe
People have died at this marine reserve. We do not recommend swimming, snorkelling or diving during the following conditions:
- east or north-east winds higher than 20 knots; and/or
- east or north-east swells of more than a metre.
It can be unsafe even when conditions are calmer. Be realistic about your skills and do not enter the water if you are unsure.
Check the wind speed and swell level on the Goat Island Surf Forecast. This is a surf forecast and the red/orange/green surfboard rating is not relevant to safe swimming, snorkelling or diving.
No dogs allowed
Dogs are not allowed in this area.
Extending from Cape Rodney to Okakari Point, the marine reserve includes the waters 800 m from shore including Te Hāwere-a-Maki/Goat Island.
The University of Auckland's Leigh Marine Laboratory is based next to the reserve. Its scientists make regular studies to discover how a marine ecosystem functions without harvesting or intervention. Be careful around any scientific equipment you may come across in the reserve.
Beneath the waves you may see seaweed forests, sponge gardens, and all the creatures of the rocky shore. The fish in the reserve are abundant and friendly.
Looking to stay dry when the weather is wet but still explore? The Goat Island Discovery Centre is a great place for the family to explore the ecosystem.
Find out how monitoring the marine reserve status has helped sea life in the area.
Motu Hāwere is of central importance to the identity of Ngāti Manuhiri. The area is an iconic reminder of the early origins of Ngāti Manuhiri and their links with the earlier iwi of the area - Wakatūwhenua being the landing place of the Moekakara waka captained by Tahuhunuiarangi.
Motu Hāwere which shelters Wakatūwhenua, has the longer traditional name of Te Hāwere ā Maki. This sacred name is associated with Maki who led the conquest of the area in the late seventeenth century. Maki was the father of Manuhiri, the founding ancestor of Ngāti Manuhiri. The mana and mauri of this name and landmark, and the waters that surround it, is thus of immense significance to the iwi. The island was occupied as a pā by the Ngāti Manuhiri warrior ancestor Maeaea, who was a grandson of Manuhiri. It was on the basis of descent from Maeaea that Ngāti Manuhiri received title to Motu Hāwere in 1901.
The adjoining land was maintained as a kāinga and cultivation by Ngāti Manuhiri for many generations until after early European settlement. The land, known as the Wakatūwhenua Block, part of which forms the Leigh Recreation Reserve, was specifically reserved from sale to the Crown at the request of the Ngāti Manuhiri rangatira Te Kiri in 1861.
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
| DOC Customer Service Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0800 275 362 |
| warkworth@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | DOC offices |
