The distant and remote Minerva Reefs—the closest coral atolls to New Zealand—have been the subject of political intrigue, a failed libertarian state and a naval showdown. Scientists believe they may also be the origin of some tropical species reaching New Zealand’s northern waters.
Shot on assignment for New Zealand Geographic Issue 133 May-June 2015
Read the Feature: https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/empire-of-the-sea/