Hydrological conditions and circulation off the west coast of the North Island,New Zealand

Temperature and salinity surveys were carried out in the Tasman Sea in winter (August 1973) and summer (February‐March 1974). In both surveys the presence of the Westland Current was indicated by the distribution of surface water properties; in summer it was associated with a subsurface salinity maximum. The current extended further northwards in summer than in winter. In summer, an east‐going geostrophic flow at about latitude 35°S separated on approaching New Zealand; part of the flow passed north around the North Island and part moved slowly eastwards in the deeper off‐shore water to at least latitude 38°S. The West Auckland Current was apparent in the winter, but not in the summer. To the west of Cape Reinga, relatively low values of surface temperature and salinity are probably associated with upwelling between Cape Reinga and the Three Kings Islands. Upwelling was observed along the coast between Kaipara and Manukau Harbour.