Auckland Island (New Zealand, Musgrave Harbour)

Auckland Island is the main (largest) of New Zealand's Auckland Islands. The archipelago is located in the south Pacific Ocean. Auckland island covers a total area of approx 443 km2 (171 mi2) and is uninhabited. Enderby Island is located very close (3 km / 2 mi) off Port Ross (natural harbour at Auckland Island's northeastern coast). In the strait between Enderby and Auckland are located several smaller isles, including Rose and Ewing.

Most cruise ships to Auckland Island NZ anchor at Musgrave Harbour and transport their passengers via tender boats or Zodiacs (RIBs).

The island is included in UNESCO's World Heritage list. The terrain is notably rugged, with steep cliffs rising to over 600 m (1970 ft). The most prominent peaks are named Cavern Peak (highest elevation point, 650 m / 2133 ft), Mt Raynal (635 m / 2083 ft) ) and Mt D'Urville (630 m / 2067 ft).

The island's southern end broadens to a width of 26 km (16 mi). Here, a narrow sea channel (Carnley Harbour, aka Adams Straits) divides the main island from the smaller Adams Island. Adams Island and the main island's southern part from the crater rim. Cape Lovitt (NZ's westernmost point) is approx 3 km (2 mi) north of Carnley Harbour.

Auckland Island is part of an IBA (Important Bird Area) identified by BirdLife International due to the Auckland Islands' significance as breeding grounds for seabird species, among which are the endemic Auckland rail, Auckland shag, Auckland snipe, and Auckland teal. Introduced animals are cats, mice, and pigs.

In the 19th century to the Auckland Islands were also introduced goats - to serve as a food source for castaway sailors. By the 1970s, just one population of goats remained (on Port Ross' northwest side), By 1992, all the remaining goats were eliminated.