A Life in the Ocean

A Life in the Ocean

Growing up on the beach and along the Ningaloo Reef, young Hayley just wanted to be in the water. While many who live by the sea understand the magic of waves in their blood, for Hayley, it was about being immersed in it, by boat, snorkel, dive, or surf. Whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays, turtles, and octopus—big or small- the wild marine life captured her imagination early on.

Getting chucked out of Exmouth fishing club after calling out a group of sport fishers for parading their magnificent big (dead) fish, Hayley knew that gaining more knowledge of the marine environment and working to protect its wildlife and their habitat would be her future.

Starting her working life in the office of a whale shark tour company, quickly moving into guiding, then earning her divemaster ticket and skipper's qualification. Teaming up with partner (now husband) Mark, a marine scientist, the two left their home coast to travel, learn, and find a future in eco-tourism.

Coming ashore to Whitianga to work with the Glass Bottom Boat was a deliberate decision, and as good timing would have it, Hayley and Mark were able to purchase the business not long after.

"Nature waits for no one," says Hayley, who recommends always having a mask and snorkel within reach.  There is something about the ocean that invites you to take a closer look, and the Glass Bottom Boats are set up for snorkelling in small groups and viewing the underwater wonderland through the glass.

"Fish look at you," she says, "they see you, they know that you are there.  How can you not care about these creatures when you have seen them up close, doing their thing? Our mission is to help people make that connection with what is often an unknown environment up until they come out with us. We see some really awesome things through the glass and always make an effort to have a good look and explain what we are watching, such as seeing crayfish moving around the shallows in the day when they are usually hiding.”

"The fish life is so interesting, and watching the dynamics through the glass can be an eye-opener to their world. Did you know that red moki mate for life? They are soul mates, and when you learn this sort of information, you have a whole new perspective on marine life. If we don't form an attachment to these creatures and the environment, how can we become passionate and be a voice to reduce overfishing and practices that are destroying the seabed and countless creatures that are all co-dependent on the ecosystem?" 

The business now runs three boats over summer, with daily trips all year round in Te-Whanganui-o-Hei marine reserve. Hayley and Mark have built a team of passionate guides. "We always have an excellent team as we have passionate, like-minded people wanting to join us," says Hayley.“It’s never been a job,” Hayley says. “It’s just how I’ve always wanted to live my life.”

But for Hayley and Mark, caring for the sea also means looking after the land and that’s where their commitment to GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL – Kaitiaki comes in.

Glass Bottom Boat is a proud champion of GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL – Kaitiaki, a Hauraki Coromandel initiative that invites locals, visitors, and businesses to give back to the place they love. Through native tree planting and support for predator control, it’s about protecting our biodiversity and tourism, giving back.

Hayley and Mark have pledged to match every tree donated by their customers, doubling the impact. Their contributions support the Cathedral Cove planting site, where regenerating the native bush helps protect the ocean they love.

So when you jump aboard a Glass Bottom Boat tour, you’re not just exploring an underwater wonderland, you’re gaining a fresh perspective on the natural world and giving back to the place that makes it all possible.

Glass Bottom Boat Tours are two hours long, departing from the Whitianga main wharf. In addition to showcasing marine life and sustainable practices, the crew will share the story of how our magnificent volcanic coastline was formed, pointing out towering pinnacles, sea caves, blowholes, and cliffs along the way. You'll also get a taste of the Coromandel’s rich history, from the arrival of Kupe and Captain Cook to today’s laid-back Coromandel culture