Bench Island
Waitaua .... The Stream of the War Party
Bench Island .... This name was given by Captn
James Cook in 1770. The Endeavour didn't get particularly close in
from the South East and it is probable that it might actually have
been Ruapuke Island that Cook saw.
Bench has recently been de-ratted, and so joins a growing list of
animal free sanctuaries.
Bench Island, Stewart Island Place Names