Elizabeth Island (New Zealand) Explained

Elizabeth Island
Local Name:Pōkaikōkō
Map:New Zealand
Location:Doubtful Sound
Coordinates:-45.4167°N 167.1208°W
Area Km2:0.6
Length Km:2.6
Width Km:0.4
Elevation M:117
Elevation Footnotes:[1]
Population:0
Country:New Zealand

Elizabeth Island is the largest island in the inner Doubtful Sound, in Fiordland National Park, in New Zealand's South Island. It was created during the last glaciation, its narrow long shape aligned with the direction of the fiord. The island is uninhabited and entirely covered in dense native bush.

The island was named by Captain John Grono after his brig Elisabeth in late 1822 or early 1823 (itself named for his wife).[2]

The waters surrounding Elizabeth Island are protected by the Taipari Roa (Elizabeth Island) Marine Reserve. The western side of the island, facing the main flow of Doubtful Sound, contains extensive rock wall habitats. Off the southern end of the island are deep kelp beds. To the east of Elizabeth Island lies a shallow channel with high water flow, containing Olphert Cove and the mouth of Elizabeth River. This area is also home to black and red coral.[3]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Elizabeth Island, Southland – NZ Topo Map. NZ Topo Map. Land Information New Zealand. 10 November 2016.
  2. Book: Discover New Zealand:A Wises Guide. 9th. 1994. 452.
  3. Web site: Taipari Road (Elizabeth Island) Marine Reserve. Department of Conservation. 10 November 2016.