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Story: Nearshore islands

Three Kings Islands

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Three Kings Islands

The Three Kings Islands are one of only two places in New Zealand which retain the (translated) name given by the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman (the other is Cape Maria van Diemen). They are about 50 kilometres north-west of Cape Rēinga, and form a continuation of the Northland peninsula. This view is of Princes Rocks and West Island, from South West Island. West Island was where the Elingamite struck in thick fog in November 1902, with the loss of 45 lives. An inquiry showed that the islands had been incorrectly charted.

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10047733

by A. Booth

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How to cite this page

Eileen McSaveney, Nearshore islands – A nation of islands, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/13010/three-kings-islands (accessed 5 June 2026).

Story by Eileen McSaveney, published 1 March 2009.