Motutapu Island (Bay of Islands)

Motutapu Island is a small island in the Bay of Islands of New Zealand, located about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) northwest of Russell.[1] It is situated near Blacksmiths Bay, within the Kerikeri Inlet.

Motutapu Island
Motutapu Island is located in Northland Region
Motutapu Island
Motutapu Island
Geography
LocationBay of Islands
Coordinates35°11′34.4″S 174°01′04.7″E / 35.192889°S 174.017972°E / -35.192889; 174.017972
Administration
New Zealand
Map
Motutapu Island, location within the Bay Of Islands, Northland Region, New Zealand
Map
Motutapu Island, Bay Of Islands, Northland NZ

Etymology

edit

In 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
  1. ^ "Motutapu Island, Northland – NZ Topo Map". NZ Topo Map. Land Information New Zealand. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
  2. ^ "Motu". Te Aka Maori Dictionary.
  3. ^ "Tapu". Te Aka Maori Dictionary.
  4. ^ Vaka Moana – Voyages of the Ancestors – Howe, K.R. (Editor), Page 33