Ōpāhekeheke Island is an island located in the southern Kaipara Harbour in the Auckland Region, New Zealand.
Native name: Ōpāhekeheke | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Auckland |
| Coordinates | 36°37′05″S 174°22′54″E / 36.617987°S 174.381656°E |
| Adjacent to | Kaipara Harbour |
| Area | 13.5 ha (33 acres)[1] |
| Length | 850 m (2790 ft) |
| Width | 315 m (1033 ft) |
| Highest elevation | 18 m (59 ft) |
| Administration | |
New Zealand | |
| Region | Auckland |
| Local government area | Rodney |
| Subdivision | Kumeū Subdivision |
Geography
editŌpāhekeheke 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
editThe 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
edit- ^ "Opahekeheke Island, Auckland". NZ Topo Map. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
- ^ a b "Place name detail: Ōpāhekeheke Island". New Zealand Gazetteer. New Zealand Geographic Board. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
- ^ a b Schedule 1 Wetland Management Areas Schedule (PDF) (Report). Auckland Council. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
- ^ 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.