Adams Island (New Zealand)

Adams Island is the second largest island in the Auckland Islands archipelago, a subantarctic island group belonging to New Zealand. Located south of the main Auckland Island, it is roughly triangular in shape and covers an area of approximately 100 square kilometers (39 square miles).

The island is predominantly rugged and mountainous, rising to a height of 660 meters (2,165 feet) at Mount Dick, its highest point. Its coastline is largely steep cliffs, particularly on the western and southern sides.

Adams Island is uninhabited by humans and possesses a unique ecosystem, characterized by dense vegetation, including megaherbs, tussock grasslands, and stunted trees in more sheltered areas. The island is a significant breeding site for various seabirds, including albatrosses, petrels, and penguins. It also provides habitat for endemic invertebrates and contributes to the overall biodiversity of the Auckland Islands.

Due to its remoteness and challenging terrain, Adams Island has remained largely undisturbed by human activity, contributing to the preservation of its natural environment. It forms part of the Auckland Islands' UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, recognized for its outstanding universal value as a natural site. The island is managed by the New Zealand Department of Conservation as a nature reserve.