New Zealand Subantarctic Islands facts for kids
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Location | New Zealand |
| Includes | |
| Criteria | Natural: (ix), (x) |
| Inscription | 1998 (22nd Session) |
| Area | 764.8 km2 (295.3 sq mi) |
The New Zealand Subantarctic Islands comprise the five southernmost groups of the New Zealand outlying islands. They are collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Most of the islands lie near the southeast edge of the largely submerged continent centred on New Zealand called Zealandia, which was riven from Australia 60–85 million years ago, and from Antarctica 85–130 million years ago. They share some features with Australia's Macquarie Island to the west.
Contents
History
Until 1995, scientific research staff were stationed permanently at a meteorological station on Campbell Island. Since then, the islands have been uninhabited, though they are periodically visited by researchers and tourists. Protection of reserves was strengthened in 2014, becoming the largest natural sanctuary in the nation.
Islands
Territorial claims
New Zealand also has territorial claims, held in abeyance under the Antarctic Treaty System, over several islands close to the Antarctic mainland, including:
- Ross Island and the rest of the Ross Archipelago
- Balleny Islands: Young Island, Buckle Island, Sturge Island, plus several smaller islets
- Roosevelt Island
- Scott Island and Haggits Pillar
Of these, Ross Island is inhabited by the scientific staff of several research stations, notably at McMurdo Sound and Scott Base.
See also
In Spanish: Islas subantárticas de Nueva Zelanda para niños
