Moturua Island

Moturua Island
Moturua Island (Left) viewed from the south.
Moturua Island is located in Northland Region
Moturua Island
Moturua Island
Geography
LocationBay of Islands
Coordinates35°13′0″S 174°11′0″E / 35.21667°S 174.18333°E / -35.21667; 174.18333
Area1.36 km2 (0.53 sq mi)
Length1.89 km (1.174 mi)
Width1.92 km (1.193 mi)
Highest elevation99 m (325 ft)
Administration
Not to be confused with Moturoa Island (Bay of Islands).
Map
Moturua Island, location within the Bay Of Islands, Northland Region, New Zealand
Map
Moturua Island, Bay Of Islands, Northland NZ

Moturua Island is a small island in the Bay of Islands of New Zealand, located about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) northeast of Russell.[1][2]

Etymology

The Māori name Moturua translates to Island Number Two or Second Island[3] in English, with "Motu" meaning "island" or "to stand alone against the elements," and "Rua" signifying the number two.[4]

History

The island has 27 documented archaeological sites. These include headland pā (Hikurangi Pā, Haikai Pā & Paeroa Pā), food refuse middens, garden areas, terraces, and storage pits. The abundance of these remains suggests that early Māori communities lived here.

Notably, an ancient midden containing moa bone has been found.[5]

Captain Cook anchored off Moturua in 1769. French explorer Marion Du Fresne and his crew set up temporary camp on the island in 1772.[6]

In World War II, the Royal New Zealand Navy operated a mine control station in Army Bay of Moturua.

Geography

The Islands bays include Waiwhapuku Bay, Otupoho Bay, Awaawaroa Bay, Hahangarua Bay, Waipao Bay, Waiti Bay, Wairake Bay & Mangahawea Bay.[7]

Moturua Island has a relict population of North Island robin ('Petroica longipes).[8]

References

  1. ^ "Moturua Island Scenic Reserve". Department of Conservation (DOC) New Zealand.
  2. ^ "Moturua Island (second island)". Great Escape Sail Yourself Yachts.
  3. ^ "Moturua Island (second island)". Great Escape Sail Yourself Yachts. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  4. ^ "Moturua Island". The Rock. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  5. ^ "Historic Moturua Island Scenic Reserve". Department of Conservation (DOC) New Zealand. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
  6. ^ "Historic Moturua Island Scenic Reserve". Department of Conservation (DOC) New Zealand. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
  7. ^ "Moturua Island, Northland – NZ Topo Map". NZ Topo Map. Land Information New Zealand. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
  8. ^ "North Island robin". Animalia. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
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