Cape Maria van Diemen facts for kids
Cape Maria van Diemen is the westernmost point of the North Island in New Zealand. It is a unique landform called a tombolo. This means it was once an island. Over thousands of years, drifting sands connected it to the rest of the North Island. This happened during the late Pleistocene period, which was a long time ago.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The cape was named by Abel Tasman. He was the first European explorer to discover New Zealand. He named it in January 1643. He chose the name to honor the wife of his patron, Anthony van Diemen. Anthony van Diemen was the Governor General of Batavia. Batavia is now known as Jakarta.
On the same journey, Tasman also named Van Diemen's Land. Today, this place is called Tasmania. Cape Maria van Diemen is one of only two places in New Zealand that still have the names Tasman gave them. The other place is the Three Kings Islands.
Climate at the Cape
Cape Maria van Diemen usually has a subtropical climate. This means it is generally warm and humid. However, it is also the most northern part of New Zealand where snowfall has ever been reported. This makes its climate quite interesting and unusual for such a northerly spot.
