DISCOVER NEW ZEALAND’S MARINE WILD LIFE

GOAT ISLAND NZ GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOURS

LOOK, LEARN, PLAY & EXPLORE NEW ZEALAND’S FIRST MARINE RESERVE

More than 300,000 people visit Goat Island NZ every year, and no trip is ever the same! Located in Leigh – just one hour north of Auckland Goat Island NZ invites visitors to look, learn, play & explore with its popular Glass Bottom Boat Tour, Kayak & Snorkel Hire.

As the number one attraction in Leigh, our Glass Bottom Boat Tour provides a fun and educational adventure for guests of all ages.

During this 45-minute eco-tour, you will see the fish, fauna, marine life and birds that thrive in this protected reserve, as well as the mysterious caves and sea-battered rocky cliffs of Goat Island.

Our direct boarding from the beach allows guests to stay dry throughout the entire journey – making it a perfect activity during any season!

For our visitors keen to have a closer look at the Reserve’s marine life, we have kayaks and snorkel gear available for hire on the beach.
The Kayak & Snorkel Hire does operate seasonally, during the warmer months.

EXPLORE THE RESERVE

Goat Island Marine Reserve is a tranquil escape, with dark, sandy & rocky beaches, thriving marine life and lush fauna.

Established in 1975 as New Zealand’s first marine reserve, Goat Island is a protected area, which has allowed sea life and fauna to recover and flourish. As a “no take” zone, fishing is prohibited, as is taking any items from the beach or sea.

Part of our mission as an eco-tour is education – teaching the importance of preservation in these fragile ecosystems.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO SEE?

As an open reserve – meaning there are no barricades keeping marine life in or out of the Reserve –
the species we encounter change daily.

Weather and sea conditions also affect the movements of marine life through the reserve – you never know what you will see!

Fish living in the reserve include: snapper, blue maomao, parore, red moki, goatfish, leather jackets, sweep, blue cod, spotties, kelpfish, marble fish, eagle rays and stingrays. Sometimes we even see dolphins, orca, whales, seals and sharks!

Other marine life includes: kina, turban shells, kelp, seaweeds, mosses, lichens, sponges and anemones.

Birds include: pied shags, red-billed and Dominican seagulls, little blue penguins, reef herons, terns, gannets and petrels.

Online Booking & Pricing

Booking is essential – and simple.

Guests can book in advance online or by phone.

Same-day bookings are accepted on the beach until departure…
However we recommend booking in advance online to avoid disappointment as our tours fill quickly.

Kayaks and snorkel gear can also be booked online or hired on the beach directly from the Goat Island NZ team.

Online bookings cut-off one hour prior to departure, and we accept Cash, EFTPOS, Mastercard and Visa.

Discover the Leigh area, find accommodation and things to do…