Kaikoura Island facts for kids
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Auckland Region |
| Coordinates | 36°11′S 175°19′E / 36.183°S 175.317°E |
| Highest elevation | 185 m (607 ft) |
| Highest point | Mitre Peak |
| Administration | |
Kaikoura Island (once called Selwyn Island) is a special island in New Zealand. It is located in the Hauraki Gulf, about 90 kilometers (56 miles) northeast of Auckland. This island is the seventh largest in the Hauraki Gulf.
Kaikoura Island is very close to Great Barrier Island, only 80 meters (260 feet) away at its nearest point. It helps create two natural harbors, Port FitzRoy and Port Abercrombie, which are safe places for boats.
Wildlife and Nature
Kaikoura Island is home to many native plants and animals. It is especially important for protecting some rare species.
- Birds: You can find the endangered brown teal duck here. This is a small, shy duck that needs safe places to live. The island also has the North Island kaka, a large native parrot known for its loud calls.
- Plants: The island is covered with many native trees and shrubs, making it a green and healthy environment for wildlife.
Protecting Kaikoura Island
In 2004, Kaikoura Island was bought by the New Zealand government and other groups. Before this, it was privately owned. The goal of buying the island was to turn it into a public reserve. This means it is now protected for everyone to enjoy and for nature to thrive.
A special group called the Motu Kaikoura Trust was created to look after the island. Their job is to restore the island's natural environment, control any threats to its wildlife, and manage it carefully for the future.
