North Cape to East Cape : aspects of the physical oceanography

Abstract

The coast and coastal waters which lie between the most northerly and easterly capes of New Zealand are remarkable by any standard. Geologically new, and sheltered from the prevailing westerly waves, the region has retained its embayments and estuaries which together with the off-lying islands make it a coast of character, attractive to the many who sail its waters and the holiday-makers who enjoy its qualities, and economically important as a fishery. Scientifically it is of special interest because, having a northeast aspect (unlike the rest of New Zealand waters), it is susceptible to the influence of subtropical systems, manifest in its wave and current regimes as well as its water properties. The written record began when Cook rounded East Cape in the spring of 1769 and charted the region. He was closely followed by de Surville. Since then studies have been made by hydrographers, scientists and coastal engineers. Information has accumulated rather piecemeal and slowly, but steadily. Inevitably it is scattered throughout charts, scientific papers and technical reports, and although it is still fragmentary the time has perhaps come to attempt to bring it together in a form which will serve as an introduction for those non-specialists who have occasion to need it, and as a review drawing the attention of research workers to shortcomings in our knowledge and the difficulties in the way of its enhancement.