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]
_and_Motukiekie_Island_(Right)_viewed_from_the_south..jpg) Moturua Island (Left) viewed from the south. | |
  Moturua Island | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Bay of Islands |
| Coordinates | 35°13′0″S 174°11′0″E / 35.21667°S 174.18333°E |
| Area | 1.36 km2 (0.53 sq mi) |
| Length | 1.89 km (1.174 mi) |
| Width | 1.92 km (1.193 mi) |
| Highest elevation | 99 m (325 ft) |
| Administration | |
Etymology
editThe 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
editThe 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
editThe 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
edit- ^ "Moturua Island Scenic Reserve". Department of Conservation (DOC) New Zealand.
- ^ "Moturua Island (second island)". Great Escape Sail Yourself Yachts.
- ^ "Moturua Island (second island)". Great Escape Sail Yourself Yachts. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
- ^ "Moturua Island". The Rock. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
- ^ "Historic Moturua Island Scenic Reserve". Department of Conservation (DOC) New Zealand. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
- ^ "Historic Moturua Island Scenic Reserve". Department of Conservation (DOC) New Zealand. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
- ^ "Moturua Island, Northland – NZ Topo Map". NZ Topo Map. Land Information New Zealand. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
- ^ "North Island robin". Animalia. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
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