Cape Foulwind
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Cape Foulwind is a prominent headland on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, overlooking the Tasman Sea. It is located ten kilometres west of the town of Westport. It was previously named Rocky Cape by Abel Tasman, the first European to visit it, in 1642.[1] The present name was bestowed upon this promontory by English explorer James Cook in 1770[2] after his ship Endeavour was blown quite a distance offshore from this point.[1]
Tauranga Bay at Cape Foulwind is home to a fur seal[1] breeding colony, which is accessible by a well-maintained walking track.[2]
Cape Foulwind reputedly hosts New Zealand's closest tavern/pub to Australia, the Star Tavern. [citation needed]
A large cement works is located close to the cape, taking advantage of the abundant limestone, sand and clay in the immediate area, plus nearby coal mines.[3]
In the lee of the cape, toward the Buller River mouth lies Carters Beach, claimed to be the only safe swimming beach on the West Coast of the South Island.[4]
For the former branch railway line to the quarry see Cape Foulwind Railway.
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References
- ^ a b c http://www.tourism.net.nz/new-zealand/about-new-zealand/regions/west-coast/history.html
- ^ a b http://www.tourism.net.nz/new-zealand/about-new-zealand/attractions/coastal-highlights/cape-foulwind-seal-colony.html
- ^ "westport cement works". Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. 2009--23.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Westport". Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. 2009-03-03.