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New Zealand outlying islands facts for kids

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Topographical map of the Antipodes Islands in English
Topographical map of Antipodes Islands

The New Zealand outlying islands are nine special groups of islands. They are part of New Zealand but are located far away from the main islands, either in warmer (subtropical) or colder (subantarctic) waters. Even though they belong to New Zealand, most of these islands are not part of any regular region or district. Instead, they are called Area Outside Territorial Authority, which means they are managed directly by the central government.

There are two exceptions: the Chatham Islands have their own special local government, like a small council. The Solander Islands are part of the Southland Region.

Sometimes, the Balleny Islands are also included when people talk about New Zealand's outlying islands. These islands are near Antarctica and are part of the Ross Dependency, which is New Zealand's claim in Antarctica.

Five of these island groups are known as the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands. They are so special that they are a World Heritage Site. This means they are protected because of their unique nature and wildlife.

Island Groups: New Zealand's Faraway Lands

Here's a list of the island groups, going from north to south:

Map showing the outlying islands of New Zealand
New Zealand outlying islands.png
Island Group (other name) Area
(km2)
Highest peak (m) Location of
main island
North of the North Island
Kermadec Islands (Rangitāhua) 33.60 Moumoukai Peak (516) 29°16′S 177°55′W / 29.267°S 177.917°W / -29.267; -177.917 (Kermadec Islands)
Three Kings Islands (Manawatāwhi, Ngā Motu Karaka) 6.85 (Great Island) (295) 34°09′S 172°08′E / 34.150°S 172.133°E / -34.150; 172.133 (Three Kings Islands)
East/south of the South Island
Chatham Islands (Rēkohu, Wharekauri) 966.00 (Chatham Island) (299) 43°54′S 176°32′W / 43.900°S 176.533°W / -43.900; -176.533 (Chatham Islands)
Solander Islands (Hautere) 1.20 (Solander Island) (330) 46°34′S 166°53′E / 46.567°S 166.883°E / -46.567; 166.883 (Solander Islands)
New Zealand Subantarctic Islands
Bounty Islands 1.35 (Funnel Island) (73) 47°46′S 179°02′E / 47.767°S 179.033°E / -47.767; 179.033 (Bounty Islands)
Snares Islands (Tini Heke) 3.50 (North East Island) (130) 48°01′S 166°32′E / 48.017°S 166.533°E / -48.017; 166.533 (The Snares)
Antipodes Islands 21.00 Mount Galloway (366) 49°41′S 178°48′E / 49.683°S 178.800°E / -49.683; 178.800
Auckland Islands (Motu Maha, Maungahuka) 625.64 Mount Dick (705) 50°42′S 166°05′E / 50.700°S 166.083°E / -50.700; 166.083 (Auckland Islands)
Campbell Islands (Motu Ihupuku) 113.31 Mount Honey (558) 52°32′S 169°09′E / 52.533°S 169.150°E / -52.533; 169.150 (Campbell Islands)
Outlying Islands 1772.4 Mount Dick (705)  

Population: Who Lives on These Islands?

Most of these islands are not lived on by people. The only island group with a permanent population is the Chatham Islands.

There is a weather station on Raoul Island in the Kermadec Islands, where people work. The weather station on Campbell Island has been automated since 1995, meaning no people work there anymore. There was also a weather station on the Auckland Islands for a few years during World War II.

Some of these islands, like the Three Kings Islands and the Auckland Islands, used to have people living on them a long time ago. There were also attempts to start settlements on Raoul Island, the Antipodes Islands, and the Auckland Islands, but these attempts didn't work out. The Solander Islands have never had permanent residents, except for a few sailors who were shipwrecked or accidentally left behind.

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