Story: Ocean currents and tides

Ocean temperatures

This animation from a computer model shows the variations of sea-surface temperatures around New Zealand over a one-year period. Red and orange indicate warm water (about 18–21ºC) flowing south from the tropical Pacific. Blue indicates cold water (8–11ºC) flowing north-east from the Southern Ocean. It is no surprise that swimming is more common at Auckland’s beaches than Otago’s.

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NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research

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How to cite this page:

Craig Stevens and Stephen Chiswell, 'Ocean currents and tides - Currents', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/5914/ocean-temperatures (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Craig Stevens and Stephen Chiswell, published 12 Jun 2006