DISCOVER THE STORY OF
GOAT ISLAND MARINE RESERVE
New Zealand’s first marine reserve, seen from a whole new perspective
Goat Island Marine Reserve is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most loved coastal places — a sheltered, rocky, wildlife-rich marine environment just north of Auckland, near the seaside village of Leigh.
Officially known as the Cape Rodney to Okakari Point Marine Reserve, this special stretch of coastline was created in 1975 and opened in 1977 as New Zealand’s first marine reserve. Today, it protects the waters around Te Hāwere-a-Maki / Goat Island, extending from Cape Rodney to Okakari Point and out 800 metres from shore.
For many visitors, Goat Island is their first glimpse into the underwater world of a thriving marine reserve. For us, it is also a place of learning, connection and care — a living example of what can happen when the ocean is given space to recover.
A place of deep cultural significance
Long before Goat Island became known as a marine reserve, this coastline was, and remains, a place of deep significance to Ngāti Manuhiri, the tangata whenua of the area.
The island is traditionally known as Te Hāwere-a-Maki or Motu Hāwere. The name connects to Maki, an important ancestor who led the conquest of the area in the late seventeenth century. Maki was the father of Manuhiri, the founding ancestor of Ngāti Manuhiri.
The nearby beach area of Wakatūwhenua is associated with the landing place of the Moekākara waka, captained by Tahuhunuiarangi. Motu Hāwere also sheltered Wakatūwhenua and was occupied as a pā by Maeaea, a warrior ancestor and grandson of Manuhiri.
The surrounding land was maintained by Ngāti Manuhiri as a kāinga and cultivation area for many generations. Part of the Wakatūwhenua Block, now connected with the Leigh Recreation Reserve area, was reserved from sale to the Crown in 1861 at the request of Ngāti Manuhiri rangatira Te Kiri.
This history is an important part of the story of Goat Island. When visitors come here, they are not only entering a marine reserve — they are visiting a place with long-standing whakapapa, mana and mauri.
How Goat Island got its name
The name “Goat Island” comes from a more recent chapter in the area’s history.
In earlier times, small islands around the coast were sometimes used to hold goats as a food source for sailors. Goats were hardy animals and could survive on sparse island vegetation, even where fresh water was limited. This practical use led to several small islands around New Zealand being known as “Goat Island.”
But while the English name tells one part of the story, the traditional name — Te Hāwere-a-Maki — carries the deeper cultural history of the island and its connection to Ngāti Manuhiri.
From overfished coastline to thriving marine reserve
Before the marine reserve was created, the area’s marine life had been heavily impacted by fishing and harvesting. Scientists from the University of Auckland’s Leigh Marine Laboratory recognised the importance of protecting this coastline so marine life could be studied without fishing or collecting.
That idea led to the creation of New Zealand’s first marine reserve.
Since protection began, Goat Island has become one of the country’s best-known examples of marine recovery. Fish populations have increased, kelp forests and reef habitats have flourished, and the reserve has become an important place for research, education and recreation.
The reserve is a no-take area. That means no fishing, no collecting, no feeding fish, and no removing or disturbing marine life, shells, rocks or other natural materials. These rules help keep the ecosystem healthy for future generations.
A living classroom beside the sea
Goat Island is closely connected with marine science and education.
The University of Auckland’s Leigh Marine Laboratory sits beside the reserve, and the Te Hāwere-a-Maki Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre helps connect visitors, schools, kura and community groups with the life beneath the waves.
Together, these places have helped make Goat Island one of the most studied and celebrated marine environments in New Zealand. It is a place where science, conservation, education and adventure come together.