New Zealand’s first marine reserve at Goat Island, is the best place to see marine life in abundance, just off the beach. Snorkel, scuba dive, watch the fish from the rocky shore or from the Glass Bottom Boat.
Having been protected since 1975, this marine reserve has big snapper, blue maomao and many other species of fish close to shore. Dive and snorkel gear can be hired locally. Also near Goat Island is the University of Auckland’s Leigh Marine Laboratory and Leigh Marine Discovery Centre.
Pretty Leigh Harbour, with a wharf and concrete boat ramp, is also home to a fleet of commercial fishing boats and the setting-off point to other diving and fishing spots around the coast and islands of the Hauraki Gulf.
There are numerous walking tracks around the area with information on the Walks page. The regional parks of Tawharanui, Scandretts and Mahurangi are a short drive away and there are numerous beaches including Pakiri, Matheson Bay and Omaha.
During an easterly swell with an offshore wind, surfers have the choice of Daniel’s Reef, Tawharanui, Goat Island, Omaha or Pakiri.
Take a look at the wildlife page to find out more about the birds, whales and dolphins and other marine life in the Leigh area.
Stay a little longer in one of the accommodations in the area where there is something to suit all budgets. Camping grounds are situated at Pakiri, Goat Island and Whangateau and there are a variety of bed and breakfast rooms and self-contained accommodations.
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