Ōpāhekeheke Island

(Redirected from Opahekeheke Island)

Ōpāhekeheke Island is an island located in the southern Kaipara Harbour in the Auckland Region, New Zealand.

Ōpāhekeheke Island
Native name:
Ōpāhekeheke
Map
Geography
LocationAuckland
Coordinates36°37′05″S 174°22′54″E / 36.617987°S 174.381656°E / -36.617987; 174.381656
Adjacent toKaipara Harbour
Area13.5 ha (33 acres)[1]
Length850 m (2790 ft)
Width315 m (1033 ft)
Highest elevation18 m (59 ft)
Administration
New Zealand
RegionAuckland
Local government areaRodney
SubdivisionKumeū Subdivision

Geography

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Ōpāhekeheke 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

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The 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

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  1. ^ "Opahekeheke Island, Auckland". NZ Topo Map. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Place name detail: Ōpāhekeheke Island". New Zealand Gazetteer. New Zealand Geographic Board. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  3. ^ a b Schedule 1 Wetland Management Areas Schedule (PDF) (Report). Auckland Council. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  4. ^ 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.