A NEW CHAPTER AT GOAT ISLAND
One of Leigh’s most iconic attractions, Glass Bottom Boat Tours, is beginning an exciting new chapter under fresh management this season.
Operating from the heart of New Zealand’s first marine reserve at Goat Island, the business continues its long tradition of offering visitors a chance to see beneath the waves without even getting their feet wet.
The new team is building on the boat’s strong reputation while bringing renewed energy and ideas to its experiences. Alongside the ever-popular public tours, visitors can now look forward to an expanded range of offerings, including private charters, tailored school excursions, and coastal cruises designed for corporate groups or special occasions. Whether it’s a family day out, an educational trip, or a unique way to celebrate with colleagues, Glass Bottom Boat Tours is evolving to meet a wide range of needs.
What sets this experience apart is the combination of world-class scenery and a personal connection to the local environment.
Through the boat’s large viewing panels, passengers are treated to views of the daily life of Goat Island’s marine reserve – from schools of snapper and playful goatfish to graceful eagle rays and the towering kelp forests below. Above the surface, the tour showcases Leigh’s dramatic coastline, sea caves, and secluded bays, offering a perspective that can only be found from the water.
Beyond tourism, Glass Bottom Boat Tours is strengthening its role within the community. Collaborating with the Marine Discovery Centre and Goat Island Dive & Snorkel, the business supports conservation education and encourages school groups to understand and protect New Zealand’s unique marine environment. This focus on both adventure and education reflects the company’s vision: to create experiences that are not only memorable but meaningful.
As the new season begins, Glass Bottom Boat Tours invites locals and visitors alike to rediscover the reserve, connect with the ocean, and enjoy an iconic Kiwi experience in a whole new way.
info@GlassBottomBoat.co.nz | www.GlassBottomBoat.co.nz