Simmonds Islands facts for kids
The Simmonds Islands are a small group of islands in New Zealand. They are found in the Far North District of the Northland Region. No one lives on these islands.
They are about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) north of Granville Point. This is near the southern end of Henderson Bay. The group has two main islands: Motu Puruhi (to the west) and Terakautuhaka Island (to the east). They are very close to each other. There are also a few tall rocks called sea stacks sticking out of the water.
Nature and Geology of the Simmonds Islands
The Department of Conservation looks after these islands. They are a special nature reserve. This means people are not allowed to land on them. This rule helps protect the plants and animals that live there.
Amazing Wildlife
The Simmonds Islands are home to many different kinds of sea and shore birds. One special bird found here is the Buller's shearwater. For a long time, people thought these birds only nested on the Poor Knights Islands. But in 1990, scientists discovered them breeding on the Simmonds Islands too!
You can also find many shore skinks on the islands. These are small lizards that live near the coast.
Island Features and Rocks
Scientists have studied the Simmonds Islands for many years. In 1966, a research paper described the islands and their wildlife in detail. At that time, the western main island was called "Rat Islet" and the eastern one was called "Kowhai Islet." The paper noted that these two islands are separated by a "boulder beach."
The paper also mentioned a cool feature called the "Anapuhipuhi Blowhole." It is on the south-east side of the eastern island (now called Terakautuhaka Island). This blowhole can shoot water spray 12 to 14 meters (40 to 45 feet) high!
Later, in 1968, another study looked at the geology of the islands. It found that the islands are mostly made of two types of rock: argillite and basalt. Argillite is a type of sedimentary rock, and basalt is a type of volcanic rock.
