Taitomo Island

Taitomo Island
Taitomo Island in 2009
Map
Geography
LocationAuckland
Coordinates36°57′34″S 174°27′45″E / 36.959444°S 174.462601°E / -36.959444; 174.462601
Adjacent toTasman Sea
Area31,000 m2 (330,000 sq ft)
Length340 m (1120 ft)
Width120 m (390 ft)
Highest elevation60 m (200 ft)
Administration
New Zealand

Taitomo Island is a tidal island on the west coast of the Auckland Region, New Zealand, near Piha.

Geography

A narrow gap exists between Taitomo Island and Nun Rock

Taitomo Island is located at the southern end of Piha beach. The island is approximately 60 m (200 ft) above sealevel, and has an area of approximately 3.1 ha (7.7 acres).[1] Nun Rock is located on the west side of Taimoto Island, separated by a 10 m (33 ft) gap.[1]

Geology

Taitomo Island and Nun Rock consist of a volcanic conglomerate of rocks of volcanic origin from the Miocene era. A strip of andesite rock is found in the middle of the island, which over time has partially dissolved, creating a feature known as the Key Hole.[2]

History

Archaeological evidence shows that Taitomo Island was the location of at least three fortified pā.[2]

Early European settlers used various names for the island, including Rabbit Island and Camel Rock.[3] The island is owned by local iwi Te Kawerau ā Maki.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b "Taitomo Island, Auckland". NZ Topo Map. Gavin Harriss. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  2. ^ a b Cameron, Taylor, Beever (1995), Flora and vegetation of Taitomo Island and Nun Rock, South Piha, West Auckland, p. 14{{citation}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ a b "Taitomo Island". Sandra Coney. Retrieved 17 December 2020.