Goat Island Marine Reserve and Pakiri Beach

It's amazing to think that you only have to drive half an hour north of Auckland and you're at the amazing Goat Island Marine Reserve. So are there any goats here? you might ask. Well, in a word, no.

But the marine reserve is teeming with heaps of fish such as snapper, blue maomao and a dozen other species which you can see swimming just off the shore. And because it's been a marine reserve for 30 years, there's no fishing allowed, so these fellas will be swimming here for a long time to come yet.

Goat Island is very easy to find. Just head north on State Highway One up to Warkworth and follow the brown signs. You'll pass through the Matakana Valley and its vineyards and Saturday morning markets. So if you're heading there for the weekend, make sure you stop here and pick up some local produce. As the road winds its way to Whangateau Harbour, you can check out stunning views of nearby Little Barrier Island and into the village of Leigh.

You can do as much or as little as you like at Goat Island. Soak up the sun on the beach or hire some snorkel gear and go for a swim to see how many fish you can spot from the rocky shore. Or if you want to stay dry, you can head out in the glass bottom boat and see what's down below the surface.

Snorkelling

Diving

To take an even closer look at what goes on underneath the water around the islands of the Hauraki Gulf from the tip of Coromandel Peninsula to Bream Head, I ventured out for a trip with Goat Island Dive.

I joined a group on board the Apollo where we headed out to check out large pelagic species, dense school fish, brightly-coloured invertebrate and lava reef life. Deep blue ocean water surrounds these islands which means clearer visibility and warmer water temperatures than the nearby coast - which is perfect for underwater photography, hunting or pleasure diving.

I was told that it was quite common to see marine mammals such as dolphins, orca and several other species of whales on the trips, mainly between September and April, so I kept my eyes peeled.
Goat Island Dive offers trips to many spots along the Goat Island coastline. It was an amazing experience. I was surrounded by big snapper, and there are more crayfish down here than you can shake a stick at (if you were to shake a stick at a crayfish, that is!). I also saw heaps of Blue Cod, Goatfish, Piper, Eagle Rays, Parore, Red Moki and many more fish I'd never seen before.

Everything is protected in the reserve, including kina (sea urchins), so we were told not to touch anything, and definitely don't remove anything!

Goat Island Dive takes trips out to many of the surrounding islands of the Hauraki Gulf - including Great Barrier Island, Little Barrier Island, Mokohinaus, Sail Rock/Hen and Chicken Islands, so you'll be spoilt for choice.

Glass Bottom Boat

Pakiri Beach Horse Riding

Just a quick drive up the coast from Leigh, you can explore the awesome white sand of Pakiri Beach. The best way to do this is on horseback - a fantastic way to get amongst the elements and feel the sun on your skin, along with the sound of the surf and hoof beats on the sand.

It's a brilliant trip, and you'll get some great shots along the deserted beach, or on the return through sand dunes and native pohutukawa glades, which are ablaze with red flowers in summer.

 You'll follow a track through native bush and Nikau palms. You'll also have amazing views of Little Barrier and Hen and Chicken Islands. The longer rides take you through pine forests and over lush green farmland.

There's plenty of bird-life to check out along the way. Look out for the rare and endangered NZ dotterels and fairy terns as well as other birds such as the blue heron, the variable oyster catcher and many others.

Pakiri Beach Horse Rides has a range of Everyday Rides, with one hour, two hour, half day or full day options. There are also Special Rides, with an Overnight Safari or Weekend Escape, the Sundowner ride at sunset, a three day Pub to Pub trail, a three day Rahui Trail, a Five Day Warrior trail or a six day Matakana trail, so there's heaps to choose from. There's even a seven day coast to coast ride from Pakiri Beach on the east coast to Muriwai Beach on the west coast.

Everyday Rides depart at 10am and 2pm, and there are additional departures at 11.30am, 4.30pm and 7pm through summer, from October to April. Make sure you bring long trousers (plus a warm jersey or parka in winter), sturdy footwear (closed shoes, boots or trainers, not sandals), sunblock, swimsuit and towel, if you fancy a dip, and of course your camera for all those picture opportunities. Safety helmets and some wet weather gear is provided.
Rides start at $60 for one hour. For more information contact Pakiri Beach Horse Riding on 09 422 6275 or email pakirihorse@xtra.co.nz or visit www.horseride-nz.co.nz

FACTFILE:

• New Zealand’s first marine reserve, better known as Goat Island, was created in 1975 and officially opened in 1977. It covers 518 hectares of coastal sea between Cape Rodney and Okakari Point.
• Goat Island Marine Reserve is on the coast at the small town of Leigh, approximately 90km north of Auckland.
• You'll find the reserve at the far end of Goat Island Road, which is five minutes past the town centre of Leigh on the way to Pakiri.
• The best time to visit is when there is less than one metre swell on the east coast and no wind or offshore wind from the southwest. Visibility underwater is best during late summer when water is also warmest. After heavy rain, easterly swells and onshore winds visibility is usually reduced.
• There are toilets, changing rooms, cold shower, information kiosk and a five-minute loading zone near the beach. There are also shops, restaurants and accommodation in the area including several camping grounds. For further information check out www.leighbythesea.co.nz
• Entry to Goat Island Marine Reserve is free. The channel is only two metres deep and 3-8 metres deep west of the island, making this protected environment calm and easy to snorkel. You can snorkel and kayak straight off the beach into the Marine Reserve all year round, making it a great way to see heaps of marine life.
• Guided eco snorkelling tours are $45 per adult, and a minimum of two people are needed. The price includes wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins, and you'll be in the water for approximately one hour. For more information contact Jenny and Tony Enderby on 09 422 6127 or 021 167 1524 or email enderby@enderby.co.nz
• Diving with Goat Island Dive costs $100 for certified divers. Full equipment hire - $100, two tanks and weights - $55. Snorkellers cost $100 - including full equipment hire (mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit), and it's $100 for sightseers, if you want to join in and enjoy the day onboard.
• Goat Island Dive can be found at 142a Pakiri Rd, Leigh - turn left at the Leigh General store, they are 700 metres along Pakiri Rd just along from the Leigh Sawmill Café. Call 0800 DIVE NZ (0800 348 369) or 09 422 6925 or email dive@goatislanddive.co.nz for more information and bookings. Check out their website too at www.goatislanddive.co.nz 
• For more information about the Glass Bottom boat call 09 422 6334 or 0274 979 764 or email info@glassbottomboat.co.nz  You can also check out the website at: www.glassbottomboat.co.nz
• With thanks to Ace car rentals. For more information call 09 309 2258 or email info@acerentals.co.nz or visit www.acerentalcars.co.nz
• Rachel stayed at Goat Island Campground on Goat Island Road, Leigh. It's open year round and overlooks Goat Island Marine Reserve. Snorkel gear is available for hire. For more information contact Tim and Fiona on 09 422 6185 or email: goatiscamp@xtra.co.nz

Written by Rachel Pinder, 2010