Cape Farewell, New Zealand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cape Farewell |
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 Location in New Zealand
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| Location | South Island, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 40°29′54″S 172°41′01″E / 40.498267°S 172.683706°E |
| Offshore water bodies | Tasman Sea |
| Area | Oceania |
| Geology | Cape |
Cape Farewell is a special place in New Zealand. It is the most northern point of the South Island. This headland is a piece of land that sticks out into the Tasman Sea. It sits just west of a long sandy strip called Farewell Spit (Onetahua).
A Dutch explorer named Abel Tasman first mapped this area. Later, in 1770, the British explorer Captain James Cook named it Cape Farewell. His crew saw it as the last land before sailing home.
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Exploring Cape Farewell
Cape Farewell is a bit far away, so fewer people visit it. But it offers amazing views! You can take a "Clifftop walk" along the coast. This walk takes about 2 to 3 hours one way.
Stunning Views
As you walk, you will see the Tasman Sea on one side. On the other side, you will see huge sand dunes. There are also tall cliffs and rocky landscapes. It is a wild and beautiful place to explore.
Protecting Nature at the Cape
In 2020, a special area was created at Cape Farewell. It is called the Wharariki Ecosanctuary. This sanctuary covers about 2.5 hectares of land.
What is an Ecosanctuary?
An ecosanctuary is a safe place for plants and animals. The Wharariki Ecosanctuary has a special fence. This fence keeps out animals that might harm the native wildlife.
Who Lives There?
The sanctuary helps protect many creatures. It is home to seabirds and rare native plants. You can also find giant snails and geckos living safely there.
How the Land Was Formed
The cliffs at Cape Farewell are very old. They are made of Paleocene quartz sandstone. This type of rock is formed from sand.
Creating Farewell Spit
Over time, the ocean waves and wind wear away these cliffs. This process is called erosion. The eroded sand is carried by sea currents. This sand then builds up further east, forming Farewell Spit.
See also
In Spanish: Cabo Farewell (Nueva Zelanda) para niños
