Motutapu is
a taonga (treasure)
with many special places. … The earliest settlement sites were blanketed with ash from the emerging volcano, and archaeologists have found the footprints of people and dogs preserved in solidified ash layers after Maori returned to Motutapu between eruptions.
What can you do on Motutapu island?
- Motutapu Island longer walks. Some interesting walks for kids with WWII gun emplacements and tunnels to explore. …
- Motutapu Island shorter walks. Walk through regenerating forest on the Rotary Centennial Walkway or walk the Wetland Track and explore WWII sites. …
- Motutapu Walkway.
What is special about Motutapu?
With 178 million years of history, Motutapu is
considered one of the earliest places that was inhabited
. It has more than 300 Maori pa, kainga (villages), kumara storage pits, former gardens and archeological sites, as well as evidence that settlers witnessed Rangitoto Island erupting 600 years ago.
What are the restrictions on Motutapu island?
- Water available. …
- Motutapu campsite does not provide wood barbeques, fireplaces, showers or picnic tables.
- No fires at any time. …
- No fireworks at any time.
- There is no power supply or light at this campsite. …
- Pack in, pack out. …
- There is no transport available on the island.
Can you stay on Motutapu island?
For a true overnight getaway, set up
camp at Motutapu
Island's idyllic Home Bay. Though direct sailings to Home Bay are limited, the DOC campsite is also accessible by walking from Rangitoto Island, which has multiple ferry services daily.
Who lives on Motutapu Island?
It later became known by his descendants as Te Motu tapu a Taikehu, or `the sacred island of Taikehu'. Motutapu remains a place of special significance to the Tainui tribal confederation, and in particular to Ngai Tai.
Maori
were living on Motutapu even before Rangitoto emerged from the sea some 600 years ago.
Who owns motutapu Island?
This at a time when Auckland's population was a mere 100,000! With the Japanese cutting a swathe through the Pacific in the early years of World War 11, Motutapu Island, because of its strategic location, was acquired by
the New Zealand Government
for defence purposes.
Is there cell service on Motutapu Island?
Yes
, mobile coverage is available on Motutapu Island.
Can you swim on Rangitoto?
For the Rangitoto Swim you
must have already swum the Chelsea Swim or an equivalent distance (2.4km) in open water
. For slower swimmers we have implemented a policy of transporting swimmers back up to the pack to reduce the spread, if you are asked please assist with this otherwise you will be asked to leave the water.
How do you get to Motuora island?
- Getting there.
- Access to Motuora is by private boat, water taxi or kayak. Private boat. If arriving by boat there are several safe anchorages including Home Bay on the western side of the island and Still Bay on the eastern side. Water taxi/charter boat services. There is no ferry service to Motuora.
How do I get from Auckland to Rangitoto Island?
Rangitoto Island is approximately 8km northeast of Auckland,
a 25 minute sailing from downtown Auckland
, with some sailings travelling via Devonport. Rangitoto is connected to Motutapu Island by a causeway, so you can walk between the two islands.
Can you stay on Rangitoto Island?
For the first time in over 100 years you can book
a bach and stay
on Auckland's iconic volcanic island. Since the 1920s the baches on Rangitoto Island have been available to only a few families but now you too can experience bach life. … There are currently two baches available to rent – Bach 78 and Bach 114.
Is motatapu a volcano?
Geography. The island is now linked by an artificial causeway to the much younger volcanic island cone of Rangitoto. Prior to the emergence of the volcano, the island had been extensively occupied by Māori for over 100 years.
What does the full Māori name for Rangitoto mean?
Rangitoto is Auckland's largest and youngest volcano. … But in reality the meaning is not volcanic. Rangitoto's full name is
Te Rangi i totongia te ihu a Tama-te-kapua' (the day the blood of Tama-te-kapua's nose flowed)
, in memory of an ancient battle on the island between the Tainui people and their Te Arawa rivals.
Where are the volcanoes in Auckland?
Rangitoto
Rangitoto is Auckland's landmark volcano. A low, graceful island cone, it can be seen rising out of the waters of the Hauraki Gulf from many of the city's vantage points. Rangitoto is also New Zealand's youngest volcano and Auckland's most active, last erupting only 600 years ago.
