Tokangawhā / Split Apple Rock

Tokangawhā / Split Apple Rock is a geological rock formation in Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere off the northern coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Made of granite from the cretaceous,[1] it is in the shape of an apple which has been cut in half. The cleft to produce two sides of the 'apple' was a naturally occurring joint.[2] Joints occur commonly in granite and are planes of weakness that rain and waves exploit. The traditional Maori mythological for the formation describes two gods breaking apart the rock.[3]

Split Apple Rock

It is a popular tourist attraction in the waters of the Tasman Sea approximately 50 metres off the coast between Kaiteriteri and Marahau.[4] The rock sits in shallow water at low tide and is accessible by wading. It is also a point of interest for the many tourist boats and pleasure craft which operate along the shores of the Abel Tasman National Park. The name Split Apple Rock was made official in 1988, and was officially altered to Tokangawhā / Split Apple Rock in August 2014.[5]

See also

References
  1. "Macrostrat". macrostrat.org. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  2. "Split Apple Rock". The Earth Story. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  3. "Split Apple Rock, South Island, New Zealand". Www.intltravelnews.com. Retrieved 12 May 2013.
  4. "Split Apple Rock". Www.wonderwalkers.co.nz. Retrieved 12 May 2013.
  5. "NZGB decisions". Land Information New Zealand. August 2014. Archived from the original on 21 November 2015. Retrieved 6 November 2015.


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