Table of Contents
How was Te wahipounamu formed?
The mountains result from tectonic uplift over the last five million years along the Alpine Fault. The basic shape of the land was set during the Pleistocene glaciations, but there has been substantial post‑glacial change, most marked in south Westland and the Southern Alps.
Is Te Wahipounamu the best forest and mountain wilderness in the world?
The South West of New Zealand is one the great natural areas of the world. It is internationally recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known to the original Māori inhabitants as Te Wāi Pounamu – the greenstone waters, the 2.6 million hectare site covers almost 10% of New Zealand’s total land area.
Why is Te Wahipounamu?
Cultural Significance The landscape in the area is an important cultural identifier for the Ngai Tahu and their ancestors. In Maori language, Te Wahipounamu translates to “Place of Greenstone”. Therefore, their ancestors claim to have settled in and thrived in these landscapes during the ancient times.
What is special about the TE wahipounamu?
Te Wahipounamu is one of the most seismically active regions in the world. It lies across the boundary of two plates, the Pacific plate and the Indo-Australian plate. The mountains in the area are a result of tectonic movements over the last five million years. Glaciers are also a major feature of the area.
How did TE waipounamu get its name?
After a public consultation, the board officially named the island South Island or Te Waipounamu in October 2013. Said to mean “the Water(s) of Greenstone”, Te Waipounamu possibly evolved from Te Wāhi Pounamu (“the Place of Greenstone”). The island is also known as Te Waka a Māui which means “Māui’s Canoe”.
Is Fiordland a World Heritage Site?
Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand’s treasured natural icons and is internationally recognised as part of the wider UNESCO World Heritage site, Te Wāhipounamu (Place of the Greenstone).
Which is the biggest city in Aotearoa?
Auckland
Populations of present-day city (and Auckland) councils
| Rank | City council | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auckland | 1,618,400 |
| 2 | Christchurch | 380,200 |
| 3 | Wellington | 209,000 |
| 4 | Hamilton | 165,900 |
What’s the Maori word for North Island?
Te Ika-a-Māui
Māori mythology This great fish became the North Island and thus a Māori name for the North Island is Te Ika-a-Māui (“The Fish of Māui”).
Is there moose in Fiordland?
Moose were first released in Fiordland in 1910 but weren’t allowed to be shot until 1923, when it was deemed that there were enough of them available for game. The first photograph was taken that year, but the first licensed kill didn’t occur until 1929.
What is the richest city in New Zealand?
Auckland. The biggest city in New Zealand is also its most expensive. Auckland has some of the highest prices for goods, services, food, entertainment, and rent. While the city boasts some of the highest job opportunities, it’s not proportional to its size of almost 1,630,000 residents.
What is New Zealand’s largest city?
New Zealand’s largest cities are Auckland and Wellington in the North Island, and Christchurch in the South Island.