Havelock Island is a secluded volcanic island located about 800 kilometers (500 miles) south of New Zealand’s South Island. The island is privately owned by the descendants of Arthur Havelock, a British civil servant who purchased it in 1896.
The island was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 for its historic value as the first European settlement in the South Pacific. Havelock Island is notable for its well-preserved 18th-century European architecture, including a Georgian house, a Church of England parish church, and a government wharf.
The population of Havelock Island is small – around 50 people – and almost all of the residents are involved in farming or tourism. The only other significant economic activity is tourism, which has been growing at an annual rate of 10 percent since 2001.
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History
Havelock Island is a small uninhabited volcanic island located in the South Pacific Ocean, about 1,500 kilometers southeast of New Zealand. The island was first sighted by Europeans on October 12, 1769 by the British explorer James Cook, who named it for Andrew Havelock, 1st Baron Havelock. The first recorded landing was on January 25, 1813 by the French navigator Louis-Antoine de Bougainville during the Napoleonic Wars. The island has been claimed and administered by New Zealand since 1907.
Geography
Havelock Island is located about 800 kilometers south of New Zealand’s South Island. The island is 19 km long and 8 km wide, with a total area of 32 square kilometers (12 sq mi). Almost the entire surface is covered by steeply-sided cliffs, making it one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the world.
Population
There is no one definitive answer to this question as population estimates for Havelock Island can vary greatly, depending on the source. However, according to the 2013 census, the island had a population of 1,776 people. This figure has since increased by about 50% due to the influx of expatriates and tourists in recent years.
Economy
The economy of Havelock Island is based largely on agriculture and tourism. The main crops grown on the island are coconuts, bananas, and breadfruit. Tourism is the major industry on the island, with tourists coming to see the natural wonders and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Climate
The climate on Havelock Island is tropical, with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 29°C (75°F to 84°F). The island experiences a lot of rainfall, with an annual average of 1,491 millimeters (60 in).
Culture and Religion
Havelock Island, located in the North-Western part of the Pacific Ocean, is a small coral atoll lying about 1200 km east of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; and about 1200 km south-west of Honolulu, Hawaii. The island has an estimated population of about 150 people. The majority of the people are Christian with a small number of Muslims and Hindus. The main religion is Christianity which is followed by 60% of the population. Other religions practiced on the island include Hinduism (10%), Islam (5%), and Buddhism (2%). English is the official language. There is no indigenous culture on Havelock Island. The culture that has developed over the years is derived mainly from British and American influences.
Languages
The official language of Havelock Island is English. However, due to the fact that most people on the island are Christian, there is a significant amount of Bible-related vocabulary in the local dialect. The primary languages spoken on Havelock Island are Malayalam (27%), Thai (20%), and Pidgin English (19%).
Education
The educational system on Havelock Island is divided into two stages: pre-school (4 years old to 5 years old) and elementary school (6 to 11 years). There are no colleges or universities on the island. The majority of students either leave the island to continue their education or stay and work on the island.
Politics
Havelock Island is a small, uninhabited island in the South Pacific that has been a subject of controversy for years. In 1978, when the island was administered by New Zealand, the government claimed that the island had been illegally occupied by a group of refugees from the Marquesas Islands. The refugees – who were descendants of the original Polynesian settlers – argued that they had inherited title to the island from their ancestors. In 1993, after years of wrangling, a court ruled in favor of the refugees, and they were permitted to return to Havelock Island.
Since then, the island has been the site of sporadic protests and demonstrations by both New Zealanders and Marquesans. The political situation on Havelock Island has been a major source of contention between these two groups, with each side accusing the other of ulterior motives. In recent months, tensions have escalated further after reports emerged that New Zealand intelligence services were utilizing Havelock Island as a base for spying operations in the region.
Government Services
There are no government services available on Havelock Island. The majority of the island’s residents either work on the mainland or leave to continue their education.
Tourism
There is limited tourism available on Havelock Island. The majority of visitors are New Zealanders who come to protest the presence of their country’s intelligence services on the island.
Hotels and Resorts List
Here is a list of hotels and resorts on Havelock Island:
- Havelock Island Resort – This resort is located on the eastern coast of the island and offers a variety of amenities such as a spa, tennis courts, and a golf course.
- Alexander’s Lodge – This lodge is located on the north side of the island and is perfect for those who want to explore the island without feeling too crowded.
- The Plantation – This plantation offers guests a plethora of activities, including cycling, fishing, and kayaking.
- The Ocean Club – This club is located on the southern side of the island and features an outdoor pool, an oceanfront beach, and a children’s play area.
Attractions
There are a few attractions available on Havelock Island. These include the Tabard Bay Nature Reserve, which is home to dozens of bird species and an interesting coral reef; Mount Pitt, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area; and Cable Beach, which features beautiful sand and crystal-clear waters.
Activities
There are a number of activities available on Havelock Island. These include hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, cycling, and fishing.
Transport
There is limited transport available on Havelock Island. The only form of public transportation available is the island’s bicycles, which can be rented from various locations on the island.
Cuisine
There is a great range of cuisine available on Havelock Island. These include French, Italian, Chinese, Malaysian, and Creole restaurants.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading our Havelock Island guide! We hope that you found it helpful and that you will be able to use the information to make the most of your visit. We would also love to hear your feedback, so please feel free to leave a comment below or contact us if you have any further questions.
FAQs
What Is the Currency Used on Havelock Island?
The currency used on Havelock Island is the US dollar.
What Are the Costs of Traveling to Havelock Island?
The costs of traveling to Havelock Island vary depending on your nationality and how long you plan to stay. However, generally speaking, travel expenses will amount to around $50 per day.
Do I Need to Be a Resident of the United States to Visit Havelock Island?
No, you do not need to be a US resident to visit Havelock Island. However, visitors are required to have valid visa requirements in order to enter the country.
Can I Take My Pet With Me When I Visit Havelock Island?
Pets are not allowed on the island, except for guide dogs.
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