Hāwea / Bligh Sound facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hāwea / Bligh Sound |
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 Hāwea / Bligh Sound
Location in New Zealand
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| Location | Tasman Sea |
| Coordinates | 44°49′S 167°31′E / 44.82°S 167.52°E |
| Native name | Hāwea Error {{native name checker}}: parameter value is malformed (help) |
| River sources | Wild Natives River |
| Basin countries | New Zealand |
| Max. length | 15 km (9.3 mi) |
| Max. width | 1 km (0.62 mi) |
Hāwea / Bligh Sound is a beautiful fiord located on the South Island of New Zealand. A fiord is like a long, narrow arm of the sea that reaches inland, often surrounded by steep cliffs. This particular fiord is found in a special area called Fiordland.
It is about 30 kilometres southwest of the famous Milford Sound. Hāwea / Bligh Sound is about 15 kilometres long. It has a unique "Z" shape when you look at it on a map. The Wild Natives River flows into the deepest part of the fiord, which is known as Bounty Haven.
How Hāwea / Bligh Sound Got Its Name
The name Hāwea comes from the Māori people. It is named after an ancient iwi (which means a tribe or group of people) called Kāti Hāwea.
The name Bligh Sound was given in 1809 by a person named John Grono. He named it after his ship, the Governor Bligh. This ship was named to honor William Bligh, who was a Governor of New South Wales at that time.
In October 2019, the official name of this fiord was changed. It became Hāwea / Bligh Sound, combining both the Māori and the European names.
Protecting the Ocean: The Marine Reserve
A special area within Hāwea / Bligh Sound is protected as the Hawea (Clio Rocks) Marine Reserve. This reserve covers 411 hectares, which is like protecting a very large part of the ocean.
Marine reserves are important because they help protect the plants and animals that live underwater. This reserve includes areas with sheltered shallow rock walls and deep reefs. These places are home to many different kinds of sea creatures and plants. Protecting these habitats helps keep the ocean healthy for future generations.
