WAIHEKE ISLAND

island, a volcanic formation in southern Hauraki Gulf, off the east coast of North Island, Auckland local government region, New Zealand. It is the fifth largest island of New Zealand, having a total land area of 37 square miles (96 square km). Waiheke has rolling hills rising to a maximum elevation of 759 feet (231 m). The island, whose Maori name means "cascading waters," was the site of manganese mining in the late 19th century. Now a holiday resort and residential area, it is linked to Auckland (12 miles east) by air and launch services across Tamaki Strait. The principal settlements of Onetangi, Oneroa, Ostend, and Surfdale are clustered at the western end of the island. There are also some sheep and cattle stations. Pop. (1986) 4,662.