Cavalli Islands
The Cavalli Islands are a small group of islands near Whangaroa on the Pacific coast of the North Island of New Zealand . They are in the Far North District of the Northland region . The islands are 5 km east of Matauri Bay , from which they are separated by the Cavalli Passage .
The archipelago consists of Motukawanui, by far the largest island with 3.40 km², and numerous smaller islands. These are from north to south
- Tokananohia Reef (True Love Reef, 90 m long)
- Horunui Island (360 m long)
- Motutapere Island (990 m long)
- Hamaruru Island (55 m high, 1980 m long)
- Panaki Island (64 m high, 2630 m long)
- Tuturuowae Island (330 m long)
- Nukutaunga Island (1770 m long)
- Takaroto skirt (90 m long)
- Motutakupu Island (550 m long)
- Haraweka Island (66 m high, 970 m long)
- Te Haumi skirt (100 m long)
- Te Toi Island (100 m long)
- Kaitirehe Rock (160 m long)
- Motumahanga Island (360 m long)
- Te Anaputaiti Island (160 m long)
- Te Anaputa Island (310 m long)
- Motuharakeke Island (Flax Island, 59 m high, 1240 m long)
- Moturahurahu Island (510 m long)
- Parawanui Reef (110 m long)
- Motukaroro Island (360 m long)
- Te Karo Island (210 m long)
- Keokeo Island (500 m long)
- Motumuka Island (640 m long)
- Tarawera Island (390 m long)
- Whatupuke Island (480 m long)
- Whatupukeiti Island (28 m high, 560 m long)
- Piranui Island (690 m long)
- Motukahakaha Island (290 m long)
- Kahangaro Island (46 m high, 1260 m long)
- Motukawaiti Island (Step Island, 115 m high, 4210 m long)
- Motuhuia Island (80 m long)
The main island is a nature reserve, some of the smaller islands are private property.
The ship of Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior (see sinking of the Rainbow Warrior ), sunk by French secret service agents with the approval of then President François Mitterrand in 1985 by a terrorist bombing , found its final resting place on the Cavalli Islands near Matauri Bay as an artificial reef. The idea came from the New Zealand Underwater Association . It seemed like an appropriate ending for a ship that served to protect the marine environment. A memorial above the beach of Matauri Bay is dedicated to the Rainbow Warrior. The ship was patched, lifted and towed north from Auckland on December 2, 1987. Ten days later the ship received a traditional Māori burial. Today the wreck is a popular diving destination. The local Māori take care of its protection and preservation.
Individual evidence
Coordinates: 34 ° 58 ′ S , 173 ° 58 ′ E