The Hauraki Gulf is part of the North Island of New Zealand. It is
a feature that includes an area of about 4000 square km, and it mostly sits between the Coromandel Peninsula and
the Auckland Region.
Hauraki is a word that means North Wind in Maori. The gulf is in
the Pacific Ocean, and is under protection by Little Barrier Island (which lies to the north), as well as by Great
Barrier Island. The gulf is considered a well protected one, except against winds from the north.
The gulf is joined to the Pacific by three good sized channels.
These channels are named the Cradock Channel, the Colville Channel, and the Jellicoe Channel. There are several
beaches along the gulf, and a lot of them are famous for their fantastic swimming and surfing.
There are numerous islands in the gulf, including a string of
islands that help to protect the mouth of Waitemata Harbour in the west side. Other islands include such lands as
Ponui Island, Tiritiri Matangi, Browns Island, Pakihi Island, Motuihe Island, Rakino Island, Whanganui Island, and
Waiheke Island.
The Gulf is home to many different species of animals. These
include the bottlenose dolphin, many different kinds of birds, and other creatures. The gulf is actually a sort of
unofficial sanctuary for birds, as numerous types of endangered birds have been found there, including Takahes,
Kiwis, and even Grey-faced petrels. Whales and orcas are also common sights in the gulf.
The gulf has seen some environmental calamities, mostly having to
do with severe over-use of the fishing in the area by commercial and private vessels. In fact, so many mussels were
taken that now, forty years later, the area has still not recovered.
Still, it is an amazing place to vacation, with the
NZ Hibiscus Coast being a popular
destination. You can enjoy the beach, swim, and enjoy the nature!