Pakatoa Island facts for kids
Pakatoa Island seen from Rotoroa Island
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| Geography | |
| Location | Auckland Region |
| Coordinates | 36°47′44″S 175°11′37″E / 36.79556°S 175.19361°E |
| Area | 24 ha (59 acres) |
| Administration | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 2 (caretakers) (2017) |
Pakatoa Island, also known as Bell's Island, is a small island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand. It covers about 24 hectares (60 acres) and is one of many islands in this beautiful gulf.
In the early 1900s, the Salvation Army bought the island. They used it as a special care center for men who needed help. Later, after a bigger center was built on Rotoroa Island, Pakatoa became a place for women needing similar support.
The island was sold in 1964 and is now privately owned. This means it belongs to a person or company, not the government. In 2014, it was put up for sale for about NZ$35 million (around US$29 million).
Today, Pakatoa Island has a tourist resort, a small landing strip for planes, and a nine-hole golf course. Famous actor Russell Crowe even worked at the resort when he was younger!
Island History
In the early 1900s, Pakatoa Island served as a place for people who needed special care. The Auckland Salvation Army managed this center.
After two years, a larger facility was built on Rotoroa Island for men. Pakatoa Island then became a place for women who needed support.
After 1943, the island changed its purpose again. It was used as a fun place for older people to relax and enjoy themselves.
The island was sold on May 20, 1949, for £5800.
