Shag Rock
This dive site is conveniently situated near the main beach of the reserve in New Zealand. The rock formation is visible during low tide and offers a depth range of 3-5m, depending on the tides. Behind the sandy pathways, there are stunning kelp forests teeming with marine life.
During low tide, cormorants can be spotted perching on top of the rock. The abundant marine species in this area include snapper, eagle rays, leather jackets, and red moki.
Shag Rock is a popular spot for both snorkelers and divers, with a diverse range of underwater creatures to explore. Snapper, red moki, leatherjacket, eagle rays, goatfish, spotted wrasse, banded wrasse, kelpfish (hiwihiwi), crayfish, jack mackerel, kahawai, piper, and the occasional dolphin can be encountered here. The rock's kelp lining provides an ideal habitat for a multitude of sea life.
With excellent visibility of 10m and a maximum depth of 8m, this dive site is suitable for beginners. It is conveniently located near the Main Carpark along Goat Island Road in Leigh, Rodney, Auckland, New Zealand.
During low tide, cormorants can be spotted perching on top of the rock. The abundant marine species in this area include snapper, eagle rays, leather jackets, and red moki.
Shag Rock is a popular spot for both snorkelers and divers, with a diverse range of underwater creatures to explore. Snapper, red moki, leatherjacket, eagle rays, goatfish, spotted wrasse, banded wrasse, kelpfish (hiwihiwi), crayfish, jack mackerel, kahawai, piper, and the occasional dolphin can be encountered here. The rock's kelp lining provides an ideal habitat for a multitude of sea life.
With excellent visibility of 10m and a maximum depth of 8m, this dive site is suitable for beginners. It is conveniently located near the Main Carpark along Goat Island Road in Leigh, Rodney, Auckland, New Zealand.
Diving Conditions Score for Shag Rock
5.7
AverageAverage conditions, be alert.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Shag Rock
Depth
8m
Visibility
10m
Experience Level
beginner
Weather Conditions for Shag Rock
Wave Height
0.42m
Wind Speed
9 m/s
Water Temp
15.8°C
Visibility
48.22km
Cloud Cover
98%
Wave Period
9.5s
Air Temperature
16.2°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for Shag Rock
Alpha
Dive Score Chart for Shag Rock
Best time to dive: 7:00 with score 8.081396453900709/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.38m, Wind 6.2 m/s.Best night dive time: 5:00 with score 7.47049645390071/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Sunrise at Shag Rock: 06:00
Sunset at Shag Rock: 18:00
Optimal diving conditions at Shag Rock are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Best Overall
7:00Score: 8.1/10
Waves: 0.38m (9.4s), Wind: 6.2 m/s
Best Night
5:00Score: 7.5/10
Waves: 0.38m, Wind: 7.3 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Shag RockAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Shag Rock
The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.
Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Seasonal DiveScore Chart
This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Best Season for Shag Rock
Summer
Avg. Score: 7.9/10
Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and generally favorable conditions for all levels of divers.
Best Months for Shag Rock
July
Score: 7.9
August
Score: 7.9
June
Score: 7.8
Ideal Conditions for Shag Rock
Water Temp
18.1°C / 64.6°F
February
Visibility
14.0m / 45.9ft
December
Wave Height
0.9m / 3.0ft
December
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Shag Rock
Shag Rock follows southern hemisphere patterns with February being the warmest month (18.1°C) and September the coldest (11.4°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in December with average wave heights of 0.9m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in December with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). January is usually the driest month with 0.1mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during December to February, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.
Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 20, 2026
Note: This dive site is not a verified dive site. Please dive with caution. This dive site might have incorrect information by the community.
36 Dive sites near Shag Rock in
Waterfall Reef
Reotahi Bay
Taurikura
Urquharts Bay
Whangarei Heads Old Women
Bream Rock
Yellow Sponge Garden
ABC Bay
Shag Rock
Goat Island
Gem Cave
Tabletop Reef
Alice A. Leigh /Rewa ShipWreck
Ti Point Wharf
Leigh Wharf
Mathesons Bay
Wonderview
The MUC (Majestic Unicorn Cove)
Penguin Point
The Outpost
Leigh Reef
Jones Bay
Little Cave Bay
Tawharanui
Simpson Rock
Takatu Point
Elephant Point
Fairchild Reef
Te Hua Point
Hammerhead
Stanmore Bay Pool
Ngatamahine Point
Te Titoki Point
Flat Rock
Wellington Reef
Wooded Island
Got feedback?
Help us improve this dive site by giving us feedback.