List of inlets of the Auckland Islands facts for kids
The Auckland Islands are a group of islands in New Zealand's subantarctic region. Imagine them as a chain of islands formed by volcanoes a long, long time ago! The biggest island, called Auckland Island, has many interesting shapes along its edges. It's like someone took a giant cookie cutter and made lots of deep cuts, creating many bays and inlets. One of the most famous of these deep cuts is Carnley Harbour. This harbour actually separates the main Auckland Island from another island called Adams Island to the south.
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Exploring the Auckland Islands' Harbours
The Auckland Islands are famous for their many natural harbours and deep, narrow bays, often called inlets. These sheltered water areas are like natural safe havens where ships can anchor, protected from the big waves of the open ocean. They are formed by the sea carving into the land over thousands of years.
What are Inlets and Harbours?
An inlet is a narrow body of water that reaches inland from a larger body of water, like the ocean. Think of it as a long, thin arm of the sea stretching into the land. A harbour is a place where ships can safely dock or anchor. Many inlets can also serve as harbours because they offer natural protection from strong winds and currents. The Auckland Islands have many of these special places.
North Coast Wonders
Starting from the northwestern tip of Auckland Island, called North West Cape, and moving clockwise, we find several interesting inlets along the north coast. These areas are often rugged and wild, showing the raw beauty of these remote islands.
- North Harbour
- Matheson Bay
- Port Ross
East Coast Adventures
The east coast of Auckland Island is especially "indented," meaning it has many deep cuts and bays. This side of the island offers a series of sheltered spots, each with its own unique features. Exploring these inlets would be like discovering hidden coves one after another.
- Haskell Bay
- Chambres Inlet
- Musgrave Inlet
- Smith Harbour
- Norman Inlet
- Hansfield Inlet
- Deep Inlet
- Worth Inlet
- McLennan Inlet
- Waterfall Inlet
Southern Secrets
As we move to the south coast of Auckland Island, the most significant feature is Carnley Harbour. This large harbour is also known as Adams Straits because it separates the main Auckland Island from Adams Island. Within Carnley Harbour itself, there are several smaller bays and arms that branch off, creating even more sheltered areas.
- Carnley Harbour (also called Adams Straits)
- Tagua Bay
- North Arm
- Musgrave Bay
- Coleridge Bay
- Western Arm
Adams Island's Hidden Gems
Finally, we come to Adams Island, which lies to the south of Auckland Island. This island also has its own set of beautiful bays and harbours, starting from its northwesternmost point and moving clockwise around its coast. These inlets are often remote and untouched, adding to the wild charm of the Auckland Islands.
- Magnetic Bay
- Bolton's Bay
- Fly Harbour
