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

Snorkelling, Goat Island Marine Reserve - click for more.
At Goat Island, near Matakana, you can snorkel off the beach. In no time at all, you'll have plenty of company.
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Goat Island, the local name for Cape Rodney/Okakari Point Marine Reserve, was New Zealand's first marine reserve. It was established in 1975 and in less than 10 years it became a rich ecological area, teeming with fish and other sea life. Previously the area had been overfished, so this transformation illustrated the value of conservation.

Beneath the waves habitats range from rocky shores and sandflats to deep reefs, underwater cliffs and canyons. Each habitat has its own community of sea creatures.

The best way to experience the reserve and its inhabitants is to get into the water. With a mask and snorkel you can explore the sand and rocks close to shore while scuba divers can visit deeper areas further out. Divers need to be careful not to break off small fragile animals such as gorgonian fans, lace corals and sponges - some of these are hundreds of years old.

In shallow areas of the reserve, particularly off the main beach, you will see many varieties of fish and shellfish. At low tide you can explore the rocky shore, taking care not to disturb rock pool creatures.

Two coastal walkways leading from Goat Island Bay through coastal forest offer spectacular coastal views and quiet picnic spots. One walkway leads from the western end of the car park, the other from the driveway to the marine laboratory.
 

 
AUCKLAND Region


CONTACT DETAILS

Contact: Department of Conservation
Phone:
 9 4257 812
Fax: 9 4257 813
Postal: PO Box 474, Warkworth 0941
Website: www.doc.govt.nz/templates/podcover.
aspx?id=33851
Contact: Warkworth i-SITE Visitor Centre
Phone: +64 9 4259 081
Fax: +64 9 4257 584
Postal: 1 Baxter Street Warkworth
Website: www.warkworthnz.com

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The nearest rail station is in Auckland (43 minutes)

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The nearest airport is in Orewa (23 minutes)

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