Tarahiki Island facts for kids
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Nickname: Shag Island
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| Geography | |
| Location | Hauraki Gulf |
| Coordinates | 36°47′26″S 175°13′36″E / 36.79067°S 175.22669°E |
| Area | 6 ha (15 acres) |
| Highest elevation | 68 m (223 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
Tarahiki Island, also known as Shag Island, is a small island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand. It covers about 6 hectares (which is roughly the size of 15 football fields!). The highest point on the island is 68 meters (about 223 feet) above sea level.
Tarahiki Island is located about 15.6 kilometers (9.7 miles) from the mainland of New Zealand. It's also quite close to Waiheke Island, sitting about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) to its east. No people live on Tarahiki Island, making it a peaceful home for wildlife.
Why is Tarahiki Island Special?
Tarahiki Island is famous for one main reason: it's a very important breeding ground for a type of bird called the spotted shag. These birds love the island, and sometimes there can be as many as 700 spotted shags living and raising their families there!
About the Spotted Shag
The spotted shag is a seabird that lives only in New Zealand. It gets its name from the small black spots on its back and wings, which are easiest to see when the bird is breeding. These birds are great divers and spend most of their time fishing in the ocean. They eat small fish and squid.
Spotted shags build their nests on cliffs and rocky islands, which is why Tarahiki Island is perfect for them. They often nest in large groups, forming busy colonies. Both the male and female birds help to build the nest, usually out of seaweed and sticks. They also take turns sitting on the eggs and caring for the chicks once they hatch.
Location and Environment
Tarahiki Island is part of the Hauraki Gulf, a large body of water on the northeast coast of New Zealand's North Island. The Hauraki Gulf is known for its many islands, beautiful coastline, and rich marine life. It's a popular place for boating, fishing, and exploring nature.
The island's rocky shores and cliffs provide safe places for the shags to nest, away from predators that might be found on the mainland. The surrounding waters of the Hauraki Gulf offer plenty of food for the shags, making Tarahiki Island an ideal home for them.
