South Taranaki Bight facts for kids
The South Taranaki Bight is a large bay located on the west coast of New Zealand. It lies south of the Taranaki region and west of the Manawatu area. This big bay is also north of the western entrance of Cook Strait and north of the South Island. Sometimes, the name "South Taranaki Bight" is used for a much smaller bay. This smaller bay is found within the South Taranaki District between the mouth of the Kaupokonui Stream and the mouth of the Patea River.
Home for Whales
The South Taranaki Bight was once a very important place for southern right whales. In winter and spring, female whales would come here to have their babies. Early European settlers in New Zealand even called it Mothering Bay because so many mother whales and their calves were seen there.
Whaling and Whale Numbers
Sadly, the number of right whales dropped a lot because of whaling. Whaling is the hunting of whales. Today, only a few mother whales visit the bay regularly.
Blue Whales in the Bight
In 2007, pygmy blue whales were discovered off Cape Egmont. By 2014, scientists confirmed that the South Taranaki Bight is the only known feeding area for blue whales in New Zealand. This means it's a special home for a unique group of blue whales. Blue whales also visit an area near Kahurangi Point in the northern South Island.
See also
In Spanish: Bahía de South Taranaki para niños
