Motutapu Island is a small island in the Far North Region of Northland New Zealand. It is situated within the Moturoa Islands about 3.3 kilometres (2.1 mi) off the Karikari Peninsula.
.jpg) View of the Karikari Peninsular with Motutapu Island taken during ISS Expedition 18. | |
  Motutapu Island | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Northland Region |
| Coordinates | 34°46′52.5″S 173°21′31.6″E / 34.781250°S 173.358778°E |
| Administration | |
New Zealand | |
Motutapu Island, Far North, NZ
It is about 72 kilometres (45 mi) northwest of Kerikeri and about 73 kilometres (45 mi) southeast of Cape Reinga.[1]
Etymology
editIn Māori, 'motu' means island[2] and 'tapu' is something restricted, prohibited, set apart or sacred.[3] Motutapu as a 'sacred' or 'sanctuary' island, is a term used for various islands in a number of Polynesian cultures.[4]
References
edit- ^ "Motutapu Island, Northland – NZ Topo Map". NZ Topo Map. Land Information New Zealand. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
- ^ "Motu". Te Aka Maori Dictionary.
- ^ "tapu". Te Aka Maori Dictionary.
- ^ Vaka Moana – Voyages of the Ancestors – Howe, K.R. (Editor), Page 33
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