Bounty Islands

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orthographic projection centred over the Bounty Islands

The position of the Bounty Islands relative to New Zealand, and other outlying islands.

The Bounty Islands at 47°45′S, 179°03′E Coordinates: 47°45′S, 179°03′E are a small group of 13 islets and numerous rocks in the south Pacific Ocean which are territorially part of New Zealand. They are located between 47°44'35" and 47°46'10" S, and 179°01' and 179°04'20" E, 650 km southeast of the South Island of New Zealand. The group is uninhabited by humans, but heavily populated by penguins and albatrosses. During the 19th century, it was a popular hunting ground for sealers.

The whole chain is only 5 km across at its longest axis, and comprises three subgroups, the by far largest Main Group to the NW, the Centre Group and the East Group. The total area is only 1.3 km², and the highest point is 73 metres above sea level, on Funnel Island. Bounty Islands were discovered by Captain William Bligh in 1788 and named after his ship, just months before the infamous mutiny.

The 13 islands

Main Group (47°45′S, 179°02′E):
- Depot Island (largest in the group)
- Lion Island
- Penguin Island
- Proclamation Island
- Ranfurly Island
- Ruatara Island
- Spider Island
- Tunnel Island
Centre Group ( 47°45′45″S, 179°02′40″E):
- Castle Island
- Funnel Island (main islet)
- Prion Island
East Group (47°46′S, 179°04′E):
- Molly Cap (main islet)
- North Rock