Due to the popularity of the snorkelling trip at Goat Island last year, CCET and Department of Conservation organized another trip on 19 February 2005.

A bus load of people arrived the Cape Rodney - Okakari Point Marine Reserve at around 10:30 am. Immediately, they carried out a checklist of reserve s most common animals and went off hunting for sea squirts and rock whelks. Honorary wardens Jenny and Tony Enderby, and Megan Stewart who was doing her PHD research in the reserve were there to guide the group. A visit to the Leigh marine laboratory further enhanced our knowledge on the marine reserve and the ecology of the area.

After a light lunch, people started going into the water and had their first experience of snorkelling under the guidance of the professional instructors. Thanks DIVE HQ who sponsored the trip by providing instructors, gear and underwater fish charts.

The occasional showers and low visibility in the water did not diminish people's enthusiasm and everyone had a wonderful time.