The Rauoterangi Channel, also known as the Otaheke Strait,[1] is a channel that separates Kapiti Island from the Kāpiti Coast of the North Island in New Zealand.
| Rauoterangi Channel | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Aerial view of the Rauoterangi Channel between Kapiti Island and the Kāpiti Coast | |
.png)  Rauoterangi Channel | |
| Coordinates | 40°52′34″S 174°56′56″E / 40.876°S 174.949°E |
| Primary inflows | Waikanae River, Wharemauku Stream |
| Basin countries | New Zealand |
| Islands | Motungārara Island / Fishermans Island, Passage Rocks, Tahoramaurea Island / Browns Island, Tokomāpuna Island / Aeroplane Island, White Rocks |
Geography
editRauoterangi Channel sits between Kapiti Island and the Kāpiti Coast settlements of Waikanae Beach and Paraparaumu Beach.[2] The channel is 5.6 km (3.5 mi) wide,[3] up to 70 m (230 ft) deep, and typically has strong ocean currents.[4] The western side of the channel is dominated by rocky reefs, from which a number of small islands emerge.[4] These include Motungārara Island / Fishermans Island, Passage Rocks, Tahoramaurea Island / Browns Island, Tokomāpuna Island / Aeroplane Island and White Rocks.
The modern channel began forming when sea levels began to rise after the end of the Last Glacial Maximum, approximately 7,000 years ago.[5]
Much of the channel is situated in the Kapiti Marine Reserve.[3]
Biodiversity
editThe channel is known for whale migrations,[4] and is a habitat for species including blue cod, butterflyfish, pāua and crayfish.[3][4]
History
editThe channel is named after Kahe Te Rau-o-te-rangi, a Ngāti Toa chieftainess who swam the length of the channel in 1824 in order to warn people on the mainland of a potential attack.[2][6][7]
Transport
editThe Kapiti Island Ferry traverses the Rauoterangi Channel, between Paraparaumu Beach and Kapiti Island.[8]
References
edit- ^ Barton, P. L. (September 1974). "Kapiti Island Site Survey: Part I" (PDF). New Zealand Archaeological Association Newsletter. 17 (3): 104-127.
- ^ a b "Place name detail: Rauoterangi Channel". New Zealand Gazetteer. New Zealand Geographic Board. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
- ^ a b c Chiswell, Stephen M.; Craig L. Stevens (March 2010). "Lagrangian and Eulerian estimates of circulation in the lee of Kapiti Island, New Zealand". Continental Shelf Research. 30 (5): 515–532. doi:10.1016/J.CSR.2010.01.004. ISSN 0278-4343. Wikidata Q59280703.
- ^ a b c d Lamarche, Geoffroy; Laferriere, Alix; Geange, Shane; Gardner, Jonathan; Pallentin, Arne (2020). "Chapter 22 - Inner shelf habitat surrounding the Kapiti Marine Reserve, New Zealand". In Harris, Peter T.; Baker, Elaine Baker (eds.). Seafloor Geomorphology as Benthic Habitat (2nd ed.). Elsevier. pp. 403–419. ISBN 978-0-12-814960-7.
- ^ "Estuary origins". National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
- ^ "Former State Highway One through Kapiti to get new names". Kapiti News. 1 May 2017. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
- ^ "History of Kapiti Island". Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
- ^ "Kapiti Island Nature Reserve". Department of Conservation. Retrieved 11 September 2024.