Ōpāhekeheke Island

Ōpāhekeheke Island
Native name:
Ōpāhekeheke
Map
Geography
LocationAuckland
Coordinates36°37′05″S 174°22′54″E / 36.617987°S 174.381656°E / -36.617987; 174.381656
Adjacent toKaipara Harbour
Area13.5 ha (33 acres)[1]
Length850 m (2790 ft)
Width315 m (1033 ft)
Highest elevation18 m (59 ft)
Administration
New Zealand
RegionAuckland
Local government areaRodney
SubdivisionKumeū Subdivision

Ōpāhekeheke Island is an island located in the southern Kaipara Harbour in the Auckland Region, New Zealand.

Geography

Ōpāhekeheke Island is located in the southwestern Kaipara Harbour, near the Kawau Parua Inlet and the mouth of Te Kowhai Creek on Te Korowai-o-Te-Tonga Peninsula.[2] It reaches a height of 18 m (59 ft) above sea level.[2] The island is a depositional sand bank, surrounded by intertidal flats and mangroves.[3]

Biodiversity

The island is forested by semi-mature and regenerating coastal forest.[3] The great white shark has been found in the waters surrounding the island, often attracted by Kaipara Harbour fishermen, who habitually discard unwanted fish such as spotted estuary smooth-hounds into a location known as "The Gutter".[4]

References

  1. ^ "Opahekeheke Island, Auckland". NZ Topo Map. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Place name detail: Ōpāhekeheke Island". New Zealand Gazetteer. New Zealand Geographic Board. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  3. ^ a b Schedule 1 Wetland Management Areas Schedule (PDF) (Report). Auckland Council. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  4. ^ Morrison, M.A.; Lowe, M.L.; Jones, E.G.; Makey, L.; Shankar, U.; Usmar, N.; Miller, A.; Smith, M.; Middleton, C. (May 2014). Habitats of particular significance for fisheries management: the Kaipara Harbour (Report). Ministry for Primary Industries. ISBN 978-0-478-43227-5. Retrieved 25 June 2024.