[Keith C.]

I'm looking for recommendations on places to snorkel, especially on the North Island, especially around Wellington or Hamilton. I don't care if it's fresh or salt water as long as it's fairly clear, fairly calm, and there's something to see. If you have pictures, even better.

Also, what thickness wet suit is typically needed? (I chill easily.)

[Sam B]

There's a snorkelling trail in the marine park near Cathedral bay on the Coromandel. My kids and J did it 2 weeks ago with no wet suit, but we're pretty hardy from time spent in the cornish sea. You're meant to be able to see tonnes of interesting fish, but it was too rough that day.

[Oregonkiwi]

Goat Island marine reserve is a famous snorkeling area north of Auckland
http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/PlaceProfile.aspx?id=34334

[Trigirl]

this might give you some ideas for wellington

http://www.newzealandnz.co.nz/scuba-diving-snorkelling/wellington.html

[Timbo]

Yep, Cathedral Cove snorkel trail is very good. You can swim in lovely clear warm water around Gemstone or stingray bays as well, which are part of the same marine reserve as Cathedral cove. There is also a very good glass bottomed boat that runs out of Whitianga. You get to see the marine life up close without getting wet. The skipper is all for it if you do want to take a dip as well.
As for wetsuits, I would say that you could get away with a 3mm here most of the year if you stay in shallow.

http://www.glassbottomboatwhitianga.co.nz/

I should have mentioned that Whitianga is 21/2 hours from Hamilton, on the Coromandel peninsular

[Keith C.]

Once again, the people in this forum have been a great help. I especially like the link to http://www.newzealandnz.co.nz/scuba-diving-snorkelling. That site has links to many other pages that seem worthwhile.

Many thanks to all of you!

Keith