Raratoka Island facts for kids
| Geography | |
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| Location | Foveaux Strait, Southland Region |
| Coordinates | 46°25′59″S 167°51′29″E / 46.433°S 167.858°E |
| Area | 86 ha (210 acres) |
| Administration | |
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New Zealand
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| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
Raratoka Island, also known as Centre Island, is a small island in Foveaux Strait, New Zealand. It covers about 86 hectares. This special island is located off the coast of Stewart Island / Rakiura.
Raratoka Island is about 25 kilometers north of Stewart Island's northernmost point. That point is called Black Rock Point. It's also about 15 kilometers southwest of the town of Riverton. Riverton is on the South Island mainland, in the Southland Region. Several small reefs are found around the island. These include Escape Reefs, which are 5 kilometers to the east. Another is Hapuka Rock, located 2 kilometers to the southwest.
What's in a Name?
The island was named by the Māori people. They named it after the island of Rarotonga. The name "Raratoka" is the way people in the Southern Māori dialect say the same word. It means "beneath the south" or "south wind."
A Safe Home for Wildlife
Raratoka Island is used as an island sanctuary. This means it's a safe place where animals can live and thrive. The Department of Conservation helps to protect the island's wildlife.
In 2006, they released 15 birds that were raised in captivity. This happened after they removed all the Polynesian rats from the island. Polynesian rats are not native to New Zealand and can harm local birds and plants. Removing them helps the island's natural wildlife to grow safely.
The island also has a lighthouse. This light helps guide ships safely through the waters. There is also a small airstrip on the island.
