Māori knew Foveaux Strait as Te Ara a Kiwa (the pathway of Kiwa). Kiwa was an ancestor who tired of crossing the isthmus which, according to the story, then connected Rakiura to Southland. He asked the whale, Kewa, to eat through the land to create a channel so Kiwa could cross by waka. Crumbs that fell from the whale’s mouth became islands in Foveaux Strait. Solander Island (Hautere), which guards the western approaches of the strait, was also known as Te Niho a Kewa, a tooth lost from the whale’s mouth. Source TeAra.govt.nz Foveaux Strait's water is 8-12 degrees C. So survival time in the water is very limited. Even so there are several brave people that have swum it, personally I would fly or take the ferry. The depth of water ranges from 20m in the East to 120m in the west. Most of it is around 30 m. If you see the lighthouse on Dog Island its height is how deep the water is. This is the reason there are strong currents and the water gets rough quickly.
The link chain found at the GZ surely must go all the way to Stewart Island as the other end is found there (but with a different colour. If this is not really true the symbolism is that we are all linked together.
Closer to the end of the road is a famous direction distance post where many photos are taken, you may wish to do the same showing your GPS and yourself. Just over the edge of the viewing platform is a small beach access is gained by a short walk along the Foveaux track and down a side track. Here you can find the following information.
1. The tidal variation here is close to 2 metres. Estimate is it high, mid low tide by observing the shellfish/seaweed grow zone. There are many very short paths down to beach.
2. What shape are the stones at the waters edge and are they all the same colour? Best seen at low tide.
3. Notice the rock cliff under the signpost. By your observation are they volcanic, sedimentary, or what? Give your reason why.
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Counter of the different nationalities who have completed this Earthcache. Updated up till 16 Dec 2023.
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