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Goat Island Marine Reserve

Sea life has been fully protected at Goat Island Marine Reserve since 1975, so the fish aren’t afraid of humans. They’ll swim right up to you, and might even try to nibble your fingers. You’ll be sharing the water with trophy-sized snapper, cheeky blue cod, red moki and a multitude of other species. Photographer: Darryl Torckler (www.darryltorckler.com).

Goat Island itself is a small 1 hectare island just a stones throw from the beach, but is the key part of the 525 hectare reserve as it protects the reefs and surrounding marine ecosystem. New Zealand's first marine reserve was created in 1975 and is now hugely popular with snorkellers and divers due the the proliferation of marine life.

It is also possible to kayak or take a glass bottomed boat to see the marine life.

Wildlife highlights: Snapper, blue cod, red moki and many other species

Location: About 90 kilometres north of Auckland near the small town of Leigh.

These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.

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