Rauoterangi Channel

The Rauoterangi Channel, also known as the Otaheke Strait,^[1] is a channel that separates Kapiti Island from the Kāpiti Coast of the North Island in New Zealand.

Rauoterangi Channel
Aerial view of the Rauoterangi Channel between Kapiti Island and the Kāpiti Coast
Rauoterangi Channel
Coordinates	40.876°S 174.949°E / -40.876; 174.949
Primary inflows	Waikanae River, Wharemauku Stream
Basin countries	New Zealand
Islands	Motungārara Island / Fishermans Island, Passage Rocks, Tahoramaurea Island / Browns Island, Tokomāpuna Island / Aeroplane Island, White Rocks

Geography

Rauoterangi Channel sits between Kapiti Island and the Kāpiti Coast settlements of Waikanae Beach and Paraparaumu Beach.^[2] The channel is 5.6 km (3.5 mi) wide,^[3] up to 70 m (230 ft) deep, and typically has strong ocean currents.^[4] The western side of the channel is dominated by rocky reefs, from which a number of small islands emerge.^[4] These include Motungārara Island / Fishermans Island, Passage Rocks, Tahoramaurea Island / Browns Island, Tokomāpuna Island / Aeroplane Island and White Rocks.

The modern channel began forming when sea levels began to rise after the end of the Last Glacial Maximum, approximately 7,000 years ago.^[5]

Much of the channel is situated in the Kapiti Marine Reserve.^[3]

Biodiversity

The channel is known for whale migrations,^[4] and is a habitat for species including blue cod, butterflyfish, pāua and crayfish.^[3][4]

History

The channel is named after Kahe Te Rau-o-te-rangi, a Ngāti Toa chieftainess who swam the length of the channel in 1824 in order to warn people on the mainland of a potential attack.^[2][6][7]

Transport

The Kapiti Island Ferry traverses the Rauoterangi Channel, between Paraparaumu Beach and Kapiti Island.^[8]