Casnell Island is an uninhabited island located in the Mahurangi Harbour, Auckland Region, New Zealand. Casnell Island is managed by the Department of Conservation.[2]

Casnell Island
Native name:
Maunganui
Casnell Island in Mahurangi Harbour
Map
Geography
LocationAuckland
Coordinates36°29′24″S 174°43′34″E / 36.49°S 174.726°E / -36.49; 174.726
Adjacent toMahurangi Harbour
Area68,000 m2 (730,000 sq ft)[1]
Length386 m (1266 ft)
Width230 m (750 ft)
Highest elevation40 m (130 ft)
Administration
New Zealand

Geography

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The island is located in the Mahurangi Harbour at the mouth of Te Kapa River.[3] It is accessible from Scotts Landing at low tide via a causeway.[4] It is the largest island found in the Mahurangi Harbour.[1]

The island is formed from Waitemata Group sandstone and mudstone.[1]

Biodiversity

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Much of the island is dominated by kanuka forest, with areas of pōhutukawa, kōwhai and grassland.[1]

History

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The island was a site in the 16th century,[4] serving as a defensive fort at the entrance of the Mahurangi Harbour.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e de Lange, Peter J.; Crowcroft, G. M. (1996). "The Vascular Flora of Maunganui (Casnell) Island Scotts landing Mahurangi Harbour" (PDF). Auckland Botanical Society Journal. 51 (2). Auckland Botanical Society: 38–49.
  2. ^ Bioletti, Harry (1992). Rodney Coast to Coast. p. 99. ISBN 0-473-01296-0.
  3. ^ "Place name detail: Casnell Island". New Zealand Gazetteer. New Zealand Geographic Board. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Casnell Island". Mahurangi East Residents & Ratepayers Association. 3 June 2019.