I see no goats

Maisie was determined to go snorkeling at Goat Island Marine Reserve. Desperate to see the fish. Yes I know, it's winter here.

She was so keen we agreed despite the potential water temperature (low) and visibility (poor). As predicted the weather on the chosen day wasn't that great, but not as bad as it could have been. Off we set.

We arrived at the recommended Seafriends snorkel hire shop, and were fitted out (aka squeezed into) with some rather flattering wet-suits, if you like the 'beached as bro' look that is. After listening to the advise that the sea was rather choppy, cold, with poor visibility, we were undeterred.

Down to the waterfront we...not quite sure how to describe it...shlepped, slithered, rolled? The weirdest thing was driving the car whist in full wet-suit, and little booties, I did have the foresight not to wear the flippers, the garment was restricting enough as it was.

The woman was right, the sea was NOT what you would call inviting.

However, we dutifully spat on our masks, wet our faces with the bracing cold water, donned our flippers, and we were in.

The first look into the water, result - I could see my hand in front of my face...but sadly that was it. I got the occasional glimpse of a yellow fin, no not a fish, but either Leanne or Maisie. Maisie squealed with delight when a fish was spotted, or it could have been striped ha ha. But alas, all I saw was a rock, and lots of seaweed.

But I have to say, it was a really invigorating experience, flapping away in 3 meter swells, with no idea of which direction we were going. We lasted an hour before a dash to the shore was necessary. We didn't get cold until we got back into the car having taken off the comforting neoprene outfits.

Waiwera hot-pools were the top of the what to do next list, fortunately just down the road. We were in there like a shot, lovely hot clear water. Mmmm