New Zealand is an excellent destination if you like snorkeling and diving. The water is not quite warm enough for the very colorful fish that hang around tropical coral reefs but the country has its fair share of whales, sharks, rays and other big and exotic fish.
One of the easiest places to go snorkeling must be Goat Island near Leigh, in the north of the Auckland region. Throughout the world there are many islands called goat island for the tendency of European ships to leave goats on islands as food for future voyages or for marooned sailors. We were told that this particular island has never held any goats but was just generically called the same (it did have pigs but they swam to the mainland and disappeared).
The island and surrounding waters are a marine reserve, no fishing is allowed nor are visitors allowed to take anything from the beach. The island itself is of little interest but for a few caves that adventurous snorkelers can enjoy. The surrounding waters however are teeming with fish. Just a few meters into the water from the beach, you can encounter different species every few meters. Apparently due to the cyclone that ravaged Fiji and kept me from enjoying Tahiti, the waters were fairly murky but this is normally not the case. I was able to spot a stingray and an eagle ray, snappers and many other fish I couldn’t identify. There are not many places in the world where you can get this experience just off the shore.
Daily at 12.00 and 13.00 sharp, the so-called Glass Bottom Boat leaves from the beach for a 45-minute entertaining tour around the island. Not only is the tour very interesting but the glass bottom of the boat also allows you to see the wonderful fish slightly further out without having to dive or snorkel, with a chance to see the two very old and huge snappers that live around the island. Costs are 25 NZD per person which is well worth it. Info at: www.glassbottomboat.co.nz.
The beach itself is a nice place to stay for the afternoon. We found that the shallow rocky patches next to the water held interesting creatures such as crabs and starfish, which was very entertaining for the little ones.
