Te Puaitaha / Breaksea Sound facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Te Puaitaha / Breaksea Sound |
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Breaksea Island at the entry to Te Puaitaha / Breaksea Sound.
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 Te Puaitaha / Breaksea Sound
Location in New Zealand
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| Location | Tasman Sea |
| Coordinates | 45°34′S 166°47′E / 45.57°S 166.78°E |
| Native name | Te Puaitaha Error {{native name checker}}: parameter value is malformed (help) |
| Basin countries | New Zealand |
| Max. width | 1 km (0.62 mi) |
Te Puaitaha / Breaksea Sound is a beautiful and narrow inlet of the sea, also known as a fiord. It is located on the southwest coast of the South Island in New Zealand. This fiord opens into the Tasman Sea.
At the entrance of Te Puaitaha / Breaksea Sound, you will find Breaksea Island. This island is part of the amazing Fiordland National Park.
What's in a Name?
The official name of this fiord was changed in October 2019. It is now known as Te Puaitaha / Breaksea Sound. This name reflects both the original Māori name, Te Puaitaha, and the English name, Breaksea Sound.
Early Explorers
In the 1850s, two early settlers named Henry Hirst and John Charles Watts-Russell explored this area. They were looking for flat land where they could raise sheep. However, they did not find any suitable land for their farms in this rugged fiord.
