Cape Terawhiti facts for kids
Cape Terawhiti is the most southwestern point of the North Island in New Zealand. It's like the "toe" of the North Island, pointing towards the South Island.
This cape is located about 16 kilometers (10 miles) west of Wellington, which is the capital city of New Zealand. Cape Terawhiti is also the closest part of the North Island to the South Island. Only 28 kilometers (17 miles) of water separate it from West Head, a point in the South Island.
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What's in a Name?
The name "Terawhiti" comes from a misunderstanding that happened way back in 1769. Captain Cook, a famous explorer, asked his Tahitian interpreter, Tupaea, what the land to the east was called. The local Māori people simply replied, "the east."
- The Māori term for "the east" is "Te Ra-whiti" (The Rising Sun).
- This term usually refers to the entire East Coast of the North Island.
- So, the name "Terawhiti" was given to the cape by mistake.
- The original Māori name for this specific cape is said to be Omere.
Important Locations Nearby
- Ohau Point: This point is on the northern tip of Cape Terawhiti. It helps mark the narrowest part of the Cook Strait. The Cook Strait is the body of water that separates the North and South Islands.
- Oteranga Bay: This bay is at the southern end of Cape Terawhiti. It's a very important spot because it's where the main power cable from the South Island comes ashore. This cable helps bring electricity to the North Island. The proper name for this bay is Oterongo.
History of Cape Terawhiti
Cape Terawhiti has a few interesting stories from the past.
The Shipwreck of the Maria
On July 23, 1851, a ship called the Maria was sailing from Lyttelton Harbour to Wellington. Sadly, it ran into trouble near Cape Terawhiti and sank.
- Out of 28 people on board, 26 lost their lives.
- Only two people survived the shipwreck.
- One of the people who drowned was an early settler of the Canterbury Region named William Deans.
Gold Discovery
In 1862, people discovered gold near Cape Terawhiti. This led to a period of gold mining in the area that lasted for several years. People hoped to find their fortune in the hills around the cape.
