Top picks:

• Grab a snorkel and flippers and swim with the fish at Goat Island Marine Reserve
• Take a trip out on a glass bottom boat and check-out the local marine life
• Tuck into gourmet pizza and handcrafted beer at Leigh Sawmill Café

Fact file:

• Goat Island is a marine reserve, scenic reserve and a scientific reserve
• Leigh is a small coastal community and is primarily a fishing village
• In 1975 Goat Island Marine Reserve became New Zealand’s first marine reserve

Why visit:

Grab a snorkel and flippers and dive into the colourful underwater world of Goat Island Marine Reserve. The shallow and sheltered conditions set the scene for a fun experience whether you’re a pro, newbie or just fancy dipping your toe in.

Swim with the fish in the calm water and watch an abundance of marine life in this protected environment. If you prefer to keep your head well above water, climb aboard the glass-bottom boat to watch the fascinating creatures of the sea swim beneath you. For those that are keen to get their PADI certificate this is an extraordinary place to begin your underwater adventure as a diver.

Spot fish like snapper, blue maomao, goatfish and stingrays and keep your eye out for birds like pied shags, little blue penguins and gannets, among an array of other sea creatures.

After a big dose of fresh sea air you’ll be ravenous so do a quick towel down and head straight towards Leigh for supper. For a cheap and wholly satisfying bite to eat you can’t beat fresh fish n’chips. Or head to the Sawmill Café for a delicious woodfired pizza washed down with a glass of real ale while you listen to the toe-tapping tunes of a live band. 

Location

View Goat Island & Leigh in a larger map