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Goat Island is one of the best beginner dive and snorkel sites in New Zealand. The shore entry over a sandy beach is straightforward, depths are shallow at 3-18 metres, and the rocky reef starts just offshore. Snorkellers can see impressive marine life in just 2-3 metres of water. Several dive shops in the area offer introductory dives and courses at Goat Island, and it is a popular training site for new divers.

Goat Island became New Zealand's first marine reserve in 1975, meaning all fishing has been banned for over 50 years. Generations of fish have grown up without being hunted, resulting in remarkably fearless marine life. Snapper that would flee from divers outside the reserve here swim directly up to investigate. Crayfish emerge from crevices in broad daylight. Scientific studies have shown that snapper within the reserve are seven times more abundant and on average 40 percent larger than in nearby unprotected areas.

Goat Island is located at Leigh, approximately 90 minutes' drive north of Auckland via State Highway 1 and Pakiri Road. There is a car park at the reserve with a small fee, and the main entry point is the sandy beach looking out toward the island. On-site facilities include a marine discovery centre and a glass-bottom boat for non-divers. Weekends in summer can be busy, so arriving early is recommended.

Both are fully protected no-take marine reserves in the Auckland region, but Tawharanui tends to be less crowded as it is slightly further from Auckland and requires a longer drive through the Tawharanui Regional Park. Tawharanui also benefits from being an open sanctuary on land, where native birds like kiwi and takahe have been reintroduced, making it a combined marine and terrestrial conservation experience. The marine life is similar, with large snapper, crayfish, and blue maomao in abundance.

The most popular shore entry is from Anchor Bay on the southern side of the peninsula, which offers sheltered conditions and an easy sand entry. The rocky reef begins within a few metres of shore and extends to depths of 15-20 metres. The northern side of the peninsula is more exposed but can offer better visibility. Snorkelling is excellent in the shallows of Anchor Bay, where snapper and leather jackets cruise in just a few metres of water.