Wakatehāua (The Bluff) is a very small island, beside Te-Oneroa-a-Tōhē / Ninety Mile Beach, one of only two Northland west coast islands (the other being Matapia Island, further up the beach). As the island looked like a canoe, it was given the name Te Waka e Haua.[1] The area may have been populated from the 14th century.[2] Senecio repangae grows on the island.[3] In 1935 tree stumps were exposed, which it was suggested showed evidence that the island had been part of the mainland until they were covered by sand.[4]

Wakatehāua Island
Wakatehāua Island.
Map
Geography
LocationTe-Oneroa-a-Tōhē / Ninety Mile Beach
Coordinates34°41′10″S 172°53′24″E / 34.686°S 172.890°E / -34.686; 172.890
Area.071 km2 (0.027 sq mi)
Length.59 km (0.367 mi)
Width.26 km (0.162 mi)
Highest elevation7 m (23 ft)
Administration

The island was being used for camping in 1935.[5] In 1936 the Ministry of Works blasted some rocks to allow driving along the beach by the island at most states of tide.[6][7]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Wakatehāua Island". gazetteer.linz.govt.nz. 17 December 2015. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  2. ^ Phillip R. Moore, John Coster (2015). "Evidence of a Well-developed Obsidian Distribution Network in the Far North of New Zealand". researchgate.
  3. ^ "Natural areas of Aupouri Ecological District" (PDF). DoC.
  4. ^ "Uncovered forest. Northern Advocate". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 1 April 1935. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  5. ^ "In and About the County. Northland Age". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 11 January 1935. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  6. ^ "Meeting of Council. Northland Age". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 28 February 1936. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  7. ^ "In and About the County. Northland Age". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 15 January 1937. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
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