Barrett Reef

The cluster of rocks that is Barrett Reef (often known as Barrett's Reef) is one of the most hazardous reefs in New Zealand.

It lies on the western side of the entrance of Wellington Harbour, on the approaches to the city of Wellington, at coordinates 41°21′9″S 174°50′6″E / 41.35250°S 174.83500°E / -41.35250; 174.83500. The reef is named after Richard (Dicky) Barrett (1807–1847), a whaler and trader.[1] Its Māori name is Tangihanga-a-Kupe, (Mourning of Kupe), which may refer to the reef's similarity to a line of mourners at a tangi,[2] the sad sound of the water around the reef,[3] or Kupe crying for people he left behind in his travels.[4] The reef is popular with recreational divers.

  1. ^ "Barrett's Reef Toll". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 20 January 2022 – via Paperspast.
  2. ^ "The Brothers". Wellington City Council. Archived from the original on 4 February 2004. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
  3. ^ Royal, Te Ahukaramū Charles (8 February 2005). "Kupe's places around Cook Strait". Te Ara. Archived from the original on 9 July 2016. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
  4. ^ "Explore Wellington [pamphlet]" (PDF). Wellington City Council. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 September 2020. Retrieved 20 January 2022.