Taitomo Island

Taitomo Island
Taitomo Island in 2009
Geography
LocationAuckland
Coordinates36°57′34″S 174°27′45″E / 36.959444°S 174.462601°E / -36.959444; 174.462601
Adjacent toTasman Sea
Area31,000 m2 (330,000 sq ft)
Length340 m (1120 ft)
Width120 m (390 ft)
Highest elevation60 m (200 ft)
Administration
New Zealand

Taitomo Island is a tidal island on the west coast of the Auckland Region, New Zealand, near Piha.

Geography

Taitomo Island is located at the southern end of Piha beach. The island is approximately 60 m (200 ft) above sealevel, and has an area of approximately 3.1 ha (7.7 acres).[1] Nun Rock is located on the west side of Taimoto Island, separated by a 10 m (33 ft) gap.[1]

Geology

Taitomo Island and Nun Rock consist of a volcanic conglomerate of rocks of volcanic origin from the Miocene era. A strip of andesite rock is found in the middle of the island, which over time has partially dissolved, creating a feature known as the Key Hole.[2]

History

Archaeological evidence shows that Taitomo Island was the location of at least three fortified .[2]

Early European settlers used various names for the island, including Rabbit Island and Camel Rock.[3] The island is owned by local iwi Te Kawerau ā Maki.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b "Taitomo Island, Auckland". NZ Topo Map. Gavin Harriss. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  2. ^ a b Cameron, Taylor, Beever (1995), Flora and vegetation of Taitomo Island and Nun Rock, South Piha, West Auckland, p. 14{{citation}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ a b "Taitomo Island". Sandra Coney. Retrieved 17 December 2020.