Big Bay (New Zealand) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Bay |
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 Big Bay
Location in Fiordland
 Big Bay
Location in South Island
Big Bay
Location in New Zealand
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| Location | Fiordland, Southland District, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 44°17′56″S 168°04′02″E / 44.2988°S 168.0672°E |
| Native name | Te Hokiauau |
| River sources | Awarua River, McKenzie Creek |
Big Bay, also known as Awarua Bay, is a large bay found on the southwest coast of New Zealand's South Island. It is about 40 kilometres north of Milford Sound. This bay is quite wide, stretching eight kilometres across. It also reaches eight kilometres inland, making it look almost like a square on the coastline.
Where is Big Bay?
Big Bay is located in a beautiful area called Fiordland. This region is famous for its stunning natural landscapes. The northern end of the bay is marked by a place called Awarua Point. At the southern end, you'll find a rocky spot called Long Reef. Just past Long Reef is where the Hollyford River meets the sea. This area is also very close to Martins Bay.
What Makes Big Bay Special?
Big Bay has a lovely sandy area known as Three Mile Beach. This beach is a great place to visit. The Awarua River flows into the bay at the northern part of Three Mile Beach. Another river, the Dry Awarua River, also flows into Waiuna Lagoon, which is near the bay.
Important Boundaries
Big Bay is an interesting place because it sits on a boundary line. The mouth of the Awarua River marks the western end of the border between two important areas. These are the West Coast Regional Council area and the Southland Regional Council area.
Long ago, this same spot was the border between two old provinces: Canterbury Province and Otago Province. These provinces were created in 1853. Today, Three Mile Beach, the Awarua River, and Waiuna Lagoon are all part of the Southland region. However, Awarua Point, which is at the northern tip of the bay, is part of the West Coast region.
