The Cavallis. The knobby hill to the right on the mainland is at the northern extremity of Matauri Bay. |
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Matauri Bay Whangaroa |
| Area | 3.4 km2 (1.31 sq mi) |
| Country | |
The Cavalli Islands are a small group of islands in Whangaroa[1] on Northland's East Coast in northern New Zealand. They lie 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) to the east of Matauri Bay on the mainland.
The group consists of the island of Motukawanui (area 3.4 km2/1.31 sq mi) and the smaller islets of Motutapere, Panaki, Nukutaunga, Motuharakeke, Haraweka, and Motukawaiti Islands. The main island is used as a nature reserve, and some of the smaller islands are privately owned.
On 2 December 1987, the hulk of the bombed Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior was scuttled between Matauri Bay and the Cavalli Islands, to serve as a dive wreck and fish sanctuary. The move was seen as a fitting end for the vessel.