Visiting Goat Island Marine Reserve, New Zealand

Last Updated on September 28, 2021

Goat Island, New Zealand is a national gem. In the summer, the Goat Island Marine Reserve is packed because of its beautiful surroundings and the not-so-shy creatures that loom in the sea.  On Goat Island, snorkelling and beautiful marine life can be found everywhere you look, and are part of what make the island the perfect getaway.  Arrive early with a packed lunch and a good under-water camera.

Goat Island is an incredibly popular day trip from Auckland, but if  you are looking to make a weekend of it, there are several Goat Island accommodation options available.

Goat Island Marine Reserve is situated around 1 hour north of Auckland, NZ so a great day trip if you’re getting bored with the city.  All of the wildlife on the Goat Island reserve is protected, and it is illegal to catch any of it.  This means there is a healthy amount of beautiful fish that come say hello inches from your face!  It really is an experience to be that close to the sea life.  Goat Island was also New Zealand’s first marine reserve!

I have been to Goat Island twice now.  The first time I was there the weather was absolutely beautiful and I saw some really fascinating colourful fish.  I even swam over a stingray!

The second time wasn’t as good because it was showering randomly and the water turned murky. Sadly, Goat Island, NZ is miserable in inclement weather, so if you are thinking of heading there on a cloudy and possibly wet day I wouldn’t bother.  You will only be disappointed!  

Oh, and watch out for the ducks who will pinch your food and also the dodgy fat looking seagull that looks like it has eaten way too many pies.

Why is it called Goat Island?

The name Goat island came about because goats were released on the island to feed early settlers who were marooned.

Today Goat Island in New Zealand remains a sanctuary for animals and wildlife, and you can see a lot more than goats!

How to get to Goat Island Marine Reserve, NZ

If you’re wondering how to get to goat island from Auckland, the good news is that Goat Island Marine Reserve is only an hour a 15-minute drive from Auckland.  You will follow the SH1 until Warkworth and then turn right to head towards Goat Island Marine Reserve. 

In the summer the traffic can be very bad all the way from the turn-off, until the reserve.  This place is super packed in the summer so make sure you get here early to reserve a parking space and get some peace before it gets busy!

Things to do at Goat Island Reserve

I highly recommend you take a picnic and have lunch while you’re at the Goat Island Marine Reserve.  The views are really beautiful, so you can sit and enjoy while you eat. 

The main things to do on Goat Island are snorkeling and swimming.  Because it is a marine reserve, the underwater life is thriving and there are so many interesting fish and creatures which will allow you to swim right up to them. You may see octopus, sea urchins, stingrays or if you’re super lucky a dolphin or a whale!

Another option is to do a glass boat tour if swimming or snorkelling are not your thing.  There are plenty of boats to take you out on the water and its a great way to see life underwater on the Goat Island marine reserve without getting wet!

If you know how to dive then you can take a full-day scuba diving charter.  As this is a reserve fishing is prohibited so you will see an abundance of beautiful fish!

Equipment hire at Goat Island marine reserve

I encourage you to bring your own snorkel and flippers to Goat Island reserve if you have them.  Otherwise no worries, you can rent them at the stores which are at the marine reserve.  You can also rent wetsuits and a range of other equipment on Goat Island if you need it.

Accommodation on Goat Island, NZ

Most people visit Goat Island Marine Reserve as a day trip. However, if you would like to stay longer, there are several Goat Island accommodation options available.

The most popular accommodation on Goat Island is a camping ground.  There are also a few Goat Island hotel accommodation options on Booking.com that are nearby too!

check accommodation near Goat Island Marine Reserve

Goat Island Marine Reserve is a fantastic NZ day trip option if you are exploring Auckland and want to get away from the city.  If you love nature, it is an absolute must!  It’s a beautiful, scenic spot and a fantastic option for families. Don’t forget to indulge in some Goat Island snorkelling when you visit!

Have you been to Goat Island in New Zealand? What did you think? Did you see any goats? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

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