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The split apple rock near Kaiteriteri, New Zealand [2010]. Photo by Rosino on

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Tokangawh膩 / Split Apple Rock

Tokangawha which is commonly referred to as Split Apple Rock is a geographical rock formation in Tasman Bay, located off the northern coast of South Island in New Zealand. The Split Apple Rock is made of granite from the cretaceous.

It is in the shape of an Apple that has been split into two halves. The cleft in between that led to producing the 鈥榓pple鈥� was a naturally occurring joint.

These joints usually occur commonly in granite as they are planes of weakness that are exploited by rain and waves. There is a traditional Maori myth that claimed that the formation of the rock is described by two gods breaking apart the rock.

The Split Apple Rock is a major tourist attraction site in the waters of the Tasman Sea. It is approximately fifty meters off the coast between Kaiterteri and Marahau.

Split Apple Rock sits in shallow water during the low tide and people can access it by wading. Several tourist boats and pleasure crafts operating along the shores of the Abel Tasman National Park are attracted by the rock.

The rock was officially named Split Apple Rock in 1988. However, the name was altered to Tokangawha/ Split Apple Rock in August 2014.

Here are the top 10 Amazing Facts about Tokangawh膩 / Split Apple Rock;

1. Split Apple Rock is Around 120 Million Years

This wonderful rock is believed to have been formed millions of years ago. The formation of Split Apple Rock is thought to have occurred one hundred and twenty million years ago.

The granite and other substances used in the formation of Split Apple Rock took place during the ice age. This is one of the oldest natural occurrences in New Zealand.

2. The Maori Myth States the Rock was Split during Two gods’ Feud

Split Apple Rock, Tasman National Park, Tasman, New Zealand. Photo by Tristan Schmurr on

The Maori people of New Zealand have several myths about some of the landmarks in their country. Split Apple Rock also has its traditional legend on how it was formed.

The traditional Maori legend claims that the boulder was split in half when two gods were feuding on who will possess it. The legend states that the two gods came to an agreement that they used their strength to split the rock in half.

This is how the name Tokangawha came into existence. It means bursting open the rock.

3. Scientists’ Theory on Split Apple Rock Formation

The contest of the formation of the Split Apple Rock has a scientific theory that objects to the traditional Maori legend. Scientists believe that the rock was split after a natural event.

The splitting occurred through a natural phenomenon known as ice wedging. This is believed to have occurred during an ice age over one hundred and twenty years ago.

As the region鈥檚 temperature dropped, any water which entered the cracks of the rock will freeze. This caused the expansion and splitting of the rock into half.

4. Split Apple Rock is Shaped like a Giant Pacman

Made of granite, the split to produce two sides of the ‘apple’ was a natural occurrence. Photo by Tony Hisgett on

The huge rock boulder that is split into half is unique. It is huge and very attractive to tourists and visitors from within and far.

Split Apple Rock is like a giant Pacman that is perched atop a bed of rocks. This is then surrounded by the waters of the Tasman Sea.

5. The Rock was Renamed to a Maori Name in 2014

Split Apple Rock was the first official name of this landmark located in New Zealand. This official name, Split Apple Rock was given in 1988.

However, it was later on renamed in 2014. The official name of this boulder became Tokangawha/ Split Apple Rock.

The name Tokangawha is a Maori traditional name. It can be further broken into two, Toka Ngawha which means burst open rock.

6. The Rock makes an Unusual Beach Attraction

Split Apple Rock Beach 2. Photo by Tony Hisgett on

Split Apple Rock is located on the shores of the Tasman Sea, New Zealand. Next to this sea is a beautiful beach.

Thousands of tourists and visitors from within the area and from far areas in New Zealand come to this beach. The Split Apple Rock gives the area an unusual beach attraction.

Tourists stay over at this beach to watch the sunset through the Split Apple Rock. Other than watching the sunset here, tourists also enjoy how the Split Apple Rock attracts some sea animals.

7. Split Apple Rock is Located in a Popular National Park

The boulder is not lying lonely on an open sea beach. Split Apple Rock is within a famous national park on the northern coast of South Island in New Zealand.

It is located off the coast between Kaiterteri and Marahau. They are located in Abel Tasman National Park.

Tourists and other visitors get a chance of viewing the other beauties in Abel Tasman National Park and also the Split Apple Rock.

8. Tourists can Wade to the Rock at Low Tides but Kayak during High Tides

Made of granite, the cleft to produce two sides of the ‘apple’ was a natural occurrence. Photo by Tony Hisgett on

Split Apple Rock is easily accessed by tourists at different times of the day. When there is low tide, the Split Apple Rock usually sits in shallow water.

Tourists can wade over to the Split Apple Rock at this time of the day. However, when the tide is high, tourists cannot wade over.

Tourists can either kayak over or use a boat to access it. There is no better moment to view the Split Apple Rock than any time or moment is best.

9. The Coastline to Split Apple Rock is Accessible through Stairs Path

The location of Split Apple Rock is on an extremely beautiful coastline of the Tasman Sea. However, this area is also rugged and gives visitors a wild feeling.

This wild feeling does not make it that difficult to get access below. In recent days, the pathways have been made clear.

A nice path with Stairs and wood platforms has been made to make it easy to get to the coast. Tourists usually enjoy taking this path even though others love it that wild.

10. There are Different Fauna around Split Apple Rock

鈥淪plit Apple Rock鈥� in Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand. Photo by Kallerna on

The rock is located in the Abel Tasman National Park. This means that there are several animals in the area.

In the beach forest around the rock, there are hiding animals and birds. Tourists get to see forest pigeons, New Zealand thujas, rare blue penguins, ermines, and possums.

Split Apple Rock will always be one of the best attraction sites in New Zealand which opens up to the sea and also to the national park.