Portland Island (New Zealand) Explained

Portland Island
Native Name:Waikawa
Location:Hawke's Bay Region
Area Km2:1.4 - 3.0
Length Km:3.26
Width Km:0.65 - 0.98
Elevation M:106
Country:New Zealand

Portland Island, also called Waikawa,[1] [2] [3] is a small island off the southern tip of the Māhia Peninsula on the North Island of New Zealand. It is used for sheep farming.

Geography

The area of the island fluctuates rapidly between high and low tides due to a shelf of rocks surrounding the east, north and west coast of the island. During low tide the area of the island can grow up to 3 km2, while during high tide it shrinks down to only 1.4 km2. This makes access by boat to the island rather difficult, despite it being only a kilometer offshore.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Story – Hawke’s Bay places – Page 11: Mahia. Pollock. Kerryn. 30 November 2015. www.teara.govt.nz. en. 19 April 2017.
  2. Web site: Portland Island Lighthouse in Wairoa. www.visitwairoa.co.nz. 19 April 2017.
  3. Web site: Tragedy strikes endangered New Zealand shore plover population. 4 February 2013. www.doc.govt.nz. en-nz. 19 April 2017.