Whangaokeno / East Island facts for kids
Whangaokeno (Māori)
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View of East Island from East Cape
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Geography | |
Location | Gisborne Region |
Coordinates | 37°41′28.65″S 178°34′33.10″E / 37.6912917°S 178.5758611°E |
Area | 13 ha (32 acres) |
Highest elevation | 129 m (423 ft) |
Administration | |
Demographics | |
Population | 0 |
Whangaokeno / East Island is a small (13-hectare or 32-acre) island approximately 2 km (1.2 mi) east of East Cape in the North Island of New Zealand. Reaching an elevation of 129 m (423 ft), it was the original location for the East Cape Lighthouse, which was built in 1900. However, the island is prone to earthquakes and its steep cliffs cause numerous landslides. By 1920, the danger to the lighthouse was considered great enough to trigger a decision to move the lighthouse to the mainland. In 1922, the lighthouse was extinguished and relocated to its current position.
On 10 June 2019, the name of the island was officially gazetted as Whangaokeno / East Island.
The Takitimu waka landed at Whangaōkena (East Cape).
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East Island was the original location of the East Cape Lighthouse.