Leigh was only a short drive from where we were staying around Matakana, and it’s a really nice, scenic trip to get there.
It’s a small coastal town, but it has everything you need for a relaxed day out.
We headed out specifically to snorkel at Goat Island Marine Reserve, and our first tip would be, get there early. It fills up quickly, especially on weekends. A warm weekday would be ideal if you can time it right.
We have our own snorkel gear, but you can easily hire everything you need when you get there.
We found a spot to lay out our beach mat and headed straight into the water.
I had heard so much about Goat Island, the number of fish, how they surround you but at first, I wasn’t sure where they were. There were still fish around, just not quite what I expected straight away. We even spoke to a couple who thought it might feel like snorkelling a coral reef, but it’s not that kind of experience.
This is different.
This is our own fish species, swimming freely in a protected marine reserve.
Once we made our way out toward the rocky areas, everything changed.
Snapper, trevally, stingrays, goatfish, red moki and plenty more. And they’re not shy. They swim right alongside you, sometimes directly in front of you. I’ll be honest, it caught me off guard a bit.
Toni, being the confident diver, was right in her element interacting with them like it was second nature.
It really is a special experience. For the life of me, I couldn’t find my underwater case for my camera, so you’ll just have to trust me when I say, it was an incredible experience and one I’ll remember for a long time.
There are glass bottom boat tours and guided snorkel groups available but there’s so much space that it never felt crowded in the water.
The beach itself is a bit tighter for space, but still manageable and everyone seemed to find their spot.
It’s an easy place to spend a few hours, swim, relax and just enjoy being there.
Afterwards, we headed to the Sawmill in Leigh for a cold ginger beer and a sit down, then of course stopped at the local dairy on the way out for an ice cream. It was a hot day, so it felt well deserved.
One of the simple joys of being in Aotearoa, having an ice cream. Hokey pokey and orange choc chip are our go-to flavours.
Tohu Tip & Local Knowledge
- Best Time to Visit
- Weekdays are best if you can manage it. Weekends get busy quickly, especially in summer.
- Parking
- Get there early. The main carpark fills up fast, and options become limited once it’s full.
- Snorkelling Gear
- Bring your own if you have it or hire locally. Everything you need is available there.
- What to Expect
- This isn’t a coral reef experience. It’s a marine reserve with native fish species, and once you reach the rocky areas, that’s where you’ll see the most activity.
- Facilities & Food
- Leigh has a few local spots for food and drinks. The Sawmill is a great stop, and the local dairy is perfect for a classic ice cream on the way out.
Worth Adding to Your Trip
If you’re in the area, pair this with a visit to Tāwharanui Regional Park or the Matakana Markets on the weekend. It’s an easy area to build a few days around.
Planning your own trip? Explore our campervan itineraries and travel guides to help you make the most of your journey.
“Tangaroa whānui, te moana nui a Kiwa.”
Tangaroa, guardian of the ocean, whose domain is the great sea.