Whangaokeno / East Island

Whangaokeno / East Island is a small (13 ha) island approximately 2 km east of East Cape in the North Island of New Zealand. Reaching an elevation of 129 m, it was the original location for the East Cape Lighthouse, which was built in 1900. However, the island is prone to earthquakes and its steep cliffs cause numerous landslides. By 1920, the danger to the lighthouse was considered great enough to trigger a decision to move the lighthouse to the mainland. In 1922, the lighthouse was extinguished and relocated to its current position.

On 10 June 2019, the name of the island was officially gazetted as Whangaokeno / East Island.

The Takitimu waka landed at Whangaōkena (East Cape).