Ponui Island facts for kids
 Ponui Island
Location in New Zealand
Location in New Zealand
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 36°52′S 175°11′E / 36.867°S 175.183°E |
| Area | 18 km2 (6.9 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 173 m (568 ft) |
| Highest point | Ponui |
| Administration | |
Ponui Island is a special island in New Zealand. It's also known as Chamberlin's Island. This island is privately owned and sits in the Hauraki Gulf, which is east of Auckland city. It's located southeast of Waiheke Island.
The name Pōnui means "long night" in the Māori language. This translation comes from the New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage. The island holds important history, with some of the oldest signs of early Māori people in the Auckland area. These signs date back to at least the 1400s.
Ponui Island covers an area of 18 square kilometers (about 7 square miles). The Chamberlin family has been farming on the island since 1853. Today, there are three farms on the island. Two of these farms are still owned by the Chamberlin family, and one is owned by John Spencer. Only a few people live on the island permanently. These residents are connected to the farms, which mainly raise sheep.
From the 1880s to the early 1900s, stone and sand were taken from Ponui Island. These materials were used to build concrete structures in Auckland.
Fun Activities on Ponui Island
Ponui Island is a popular spot for youth camps. Groups like Scouts often hold their camps here. Crusader camps, now part of Scripture Union, have been coming to the island since 1932. These camps offer a great outdoor experience for young people.
Amazing Animals of Ponui Island
Ponui Island is home to some unique animals. It is the only place in New Zealand where you can find the wild Ponui donkey. These donkeys are a special breed. The island also has a large number of kiwi birds. Kiwi are New Zealand's famous native birds, known for being shy and nocturnal.
