Blumine Island Explained

Blumine Island / Ōruawairua
Pushpin Map:New Zealand Marlborough Sounds
Location:Marlborough Sounds
South Island
Coordinates:-41.1748°N 174.2395°W
Area Km2:3.8
Elevation M:298
Population:0
Country:New Zealand

Blumine Island / [1] is an island in the outer reaches of Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui, in the Marlborough Sounds at the northern end of New Zealand's South Island.

The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "meeting place of spirits" for Ōruawairua.[2]

Description

Blumine Island covers 377ha[3] and is mostly hill country. The island is located about 22km (14miles) north of Picton.[4] It is the site of a scenic reserve meaning anyone can visit the island. A visit by Captain James Cook left the island infested with introduced pests, which have since been eradicated through the use of helicopter poison drops, conducted by the Department of Conservation. In May 2008 the island was declared predator free and efforts began to reintroduce native species back to the island.[5]

During World War II, two gun emplacements were built on the island by soldiers and workmen from the Public Works Department. This was to protect a planned American Navy anchorage in the Marlborough Sounds from a feared Japanese invasion. The sites were abandoned in 1945 towards the end of the war. In 2012, walking tracks were built, connecting the island's main campsite with the emplacements.

Blumine Island hosts Outward Bound and Untouched World Charitable Trust who help in the maintenance of the island.

Kiwi

On 29 June 2010, three pairs of the rarest kiwi, rowi kiwi were released onto the island.[6]

See also

References

-41.1748°N 174.2395°W

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Blumine Island / Ōruawairua . gazetteer.linz.govt.nz . 25 January 2022.
  2. Web site: 1000 Māori place names. New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 6 August 2019.
  3. Web site: Data Table - Protected Areas - LINZ Data Service (recorded area 376.732 ha). Land Information New Zealand. 2019-08-30.
  4. News: Nicoll. Jared. Former fort a refuge for endangered species. The Press. 7 July 2012. Christchurch. A17.
  5. Web site: Island sanctuaries in the Marlborourgh Sounds. Publications. Department of Conservation.
  6. Web site: Kiwi released on Blumine Island . 30 June 2010 . . 21 September 2011.