Tonga Island facts for kids
Tonga Island from water taxi
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 Tonga Island
Location in South Island
Tonga Island
Location in New Zealand
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 40°53′25″S 173°04′02″E / 40.89028°S 173.06722°E |
| Total islands | 1 |
| Area | 0.15 km2 (0.058 sq mi) |
| Length | 0.5 km (0.31 mi) |
| Width | 0.5 km (0.31 mi) |
| Highest elevation | 83 m (272 ft) |
| Administration | |
Tonga Island is a very small island located in Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere. This bay is off the northern coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The island is about 0.15 square kilometers in size. To give you an idea, that's roughly the size of 20 football fields!
Tonga Island is part of the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park. It sits about one kilometer away from Onetahuti Beach. The island is famous for its lively colony of fur seals. It is also surrounded by the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, which was created in 1993.
Contents
Exploring Tonga Island
Tonga Island is a great place to visit for nature lovers. You can reach the island by water taxi or by kayak. It's a fun adventure to paddle across the clear waters.
Views from the Coast Track
If you prefer to stay on land, you can still see Tonga Island. It is clearly visible from the Abel Tasman Coast Track. This popular walking track offers amazing views of the coastline and islands.
History of the Name
The name "Tonga Island" has a special meaning. The first people who lived in this area named the island. They chose the name after a small island in their homeland. Their homeland was in eastern Polynesia.
Tonga Island Marine Reserve
The waters around Tonga Island are protected. This area is called the Tonga Island Marine Reserve. It was set up in 1993 to keep the marine life safe.
Why Marine Reserves are Important
Marine reserves help protect ocean animals and plants. They allow fish and other sea creatures to live and grow without being disturbed. This helps keep the ocean healthy for everyone.
What You Can See in the Reserve
In the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, you might see many types of fish. You can also spot different kinds of seaweed and corals. It's a wonderful place for snorkeling and diving. Remember, you can look but not take anything from the reserve.
