Blumine Island

Blumine Island
Oruawairua (Māori)
Geography
Location Marlborough Sounds
South Island
Coordinates 41°10′29″S 174°14′22″E / 41.1748°S 174.2395°E / -41.1748; 174.2395
Area 4 km2 (1.5 sq mi)
Administration
Demographics
Population 0

Blumine Island, or Oruawairua in the Māori language, is in the Marlborough Sounds in the South Island of New Zealand.

Description

Blumine Island covers 337 hectares (830 acres)[1] and is mostly hill country. The island is located about 22 kilometres (14 mi) north of Picton.[1] It is the site of a scenic reserve meaning anyone can visit the island. A visit by Captain James Cook left the island infested with introduced pests, which have since been eradicated through the use of helicopter poison drops, conducted by the Department of Conservation. In May 2008 the island was declared predator free and efforts began to reintroduce native species back to the island.[2]

During World War II, two gun emplacements were built on the island by soldiers and workmen from the Public Works Department. This was to protect a planned American Navy anchorage in the Marlborough Sounds from a feared Japanese invasion. The sites were abandoned in 1945 towards the end of the war. In 2012, walking tracks were built, connecting the island's main campsite with the emplacements.[1]

Blumine Island hosts Outward Bound and Untouched World Charitable Trust who help in the maintenance of the island.

Kiwi

On 29 June 2010, three pairs of the rarest kiwi, rowi kiwi were released onto the island.[3]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Nicoll, Jared (7 July 2012). "Former fort a refuge for endangered species". The Press. Christchurch. p. A17.
  2. ↑ "Island sanctuaries in the Marlborourgh Sounds" (PDF). Publications. Department of Conservation.
  3. ↑ "Kiwi released on Blumine Island". The Marlborough Express. 30 June 2010. Retrieved 21 September 2011.

Coordinates: 41°10′29″S 174°14′22″E / 41.1748°S 174.2395°E / -41.1748; 174.2395


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