Portland Island (New Zealand)

Portland Island
Native name:
Waikawa
Map
Geography
LocationHawke's Bay Region
Coordinates39°17′S 177°52′E / 39.283°S 177.867°E / -39.283; 177.867
Area1.4–3.0 km2 (0.54–1.16 sq mi)
Length3.26 km (2.026 mi)
Width0.65 - 0.98 km (-0.205 mi)
Highest elevation106 m (348 ft)
Administration
NASA satellite image of the Māhia Peninsula, showing Portland Island close to the peninsula's southern tip

Portland Island, also called Waikawa,[1][2][3] is a small island off the southern tip of the Māhia Peninsula on the North Island of New Zealand. It is used for sheep farming.

The area of the island fluctuates rapidly between high and low tides due to a shelf of rocks surrounding the east, north and west coast of the island. During low tide the area of the island can grow up to 3 km2, while during high tide it shrinks down to only 1.4 km2. This makes access by boat to the island rather difficult, despite it being only a kilometer offshore.

See also

References

  1. ^ Pollock, Kerryn (30 November 2015). "Story – Hawke's Bay places – Page 11: Mahia". www.teara.govt.nz. Retrieved 19 April 2017.
  2. ^ "Portland Island Lighthouse in Wairoa" (PDF). www.visitwairoa.co.nz. Retrieved 19 April 2017.
  3. ^ "Tragedy strikes endangered New Zealand shore plover population". www.doc.govt.nz. 4 February 2013. Retrieved 19 April 2017.


39°17′S 177°52′E / 39.283°S 177.867°E / -39.283; 177.867


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