Find more information about weather and tides at Leigh by following the links below.

Tides

• Land Information NZ – Tidal Information
• Ocean Fun Publishing – Tide Graphs for main ports (and offset tables)
• NIWA Tide Forecaster – past and present tides predicted

Weather

• Hi Wind Weather Resources – Local weather, radar, IR, & 7 day forecasts
• MetService NZ Marine Forecasts – general marine forecasts all NZ
• NASA – Global Climate & Hydrology Center for Southern Oceans
• Synoptic Analysis – BOM Australia – weather map for NZ & Oceans
• TelstraClear Weather – Cloud IR – Isobars – Radar
• Tropical Storms – Australia Severe Weather
• MetVUW – Victoria University
• Virtual Weather Buoys – Computer Predictions
• Weather Forecast.com – Global & Local 6 day forecasts

Visit our centre and leave excited and more knowledgable about the unique, underwater world of New Zealand’s first marine reserve. Staffed by marine experts to the centre is part of the University of Auckland’s marine science faculties. The perfect way to start your Goat Island adventure.

We look forward to having you visit us soon.

The centre was made possible by a generous gift from the Edith Winstone Blackwell Foundation Trust to recognize and honor the great interest the Trust’s founder, Edith Winstone Blackwell, had in the wealth, health and preservation of our marine environment and in the science of the seas.

Edith Winstone Blackwell MBE

• The daughter of well-known Auckland businessman George Winstone
• One of the first women in Auckland to drive a car and attend Auckland Grammar School for boys
• Donated a 50cm (20 inch) reflector telescope to establish the Auckland Observatory
• In 1950 Edith set up the Edith Winstone Blackwell Foundation, a charitable trust

We are open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10-4pm.

The centre caters for groups and runs school based learning experiences.

Group and school visits can be scheduled outside opening hours.

For more information contact:

Rebecca Goffin
Marine Discovery Centre Manager
Phone +64 9 373 7599 ext 83621
Email:  leighmarine@auckland.ac.nz

Directions

Our Marine Discovery Centre is located on the hill overlooking the Goat Island Marine Reserve at Leigh opposite the DOC main carpark.

Parking is available in the Department of Conservation (DOC) car parks above the main beach. It is an easy five minute walk up to the visitor centre along a marked pathway that starts down near the beach. Look for the large blue sign on the beach and follow the red poles up to the centre. The centre is the first building on the left at the Leigh Marine Laboratory complex. It has a school of fish on the outside.
View Larger Map

Bringing a group

We can arrange short tours of the Visitor centre for clubs, service organisations and other organised groups. Please contact:

Rebecca Goffin
Visitor Centre Manager
Phone +64 9 373-7599, ext 83621
Email: leighmarine@auckland.ac.nz

School/Tertiary groups

School groups can arrange to have education experiences. These range from short tours of the visitor centre to talks, lectures and practical experiments in the laboratory and in the field.

For all educational groups bookings are essential. To discuss your schools needs and make a booking please contact:

Rebecca Goffin
Visitor Centre Manager
Phone +64 9 373-7599, ext 83621
Email: leighmarine@auckland.ac.nz

Our marine discovery centre is part of the Leigh Marine Laboratory, the hub for the University of Auckland’s marine science activities. The Edith Winstone Blackwell Centre is a non-profit organisation. The centre has a goal of being self-supporting so your admission fee goes directly to supporting centre operations. Any retained earnings will be used to fund post-graduate scholarships, helping support the next generation of marine scientists and their research. Thank you for your support.

What hours are you open?

Our marine discovery centre  has the following hours of operation:
Winter opening hours are Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10-4pm.

How much will it cost to visit the centre?

For a list of admission costs please visit Plan your visit.

How do we contact the centre?

Please ring 64 9 373 7599 ext 83645.

Is there disability parking on site?

Yes we have several disability carparks on site. These are located in front of the centre. Please ring for more information.

Is the centre suitable for children?

The centre is suitable for all ages.For children we provide activity handouts to keep the children entertained. Your visit will be hands-on and interactive. One highlight will be seeing our live marine animals in our rocky shore tank.

What else is there to do in the local area?

Come to the marine centre first then visit www.leighbythesea.co.nz for lots of other options to create a memorable day out.