Motutapu Island (Karikari Peninsula)

This article is about Motutapu Island (Karikari Peninsula). For other islands of this name, see Motutapu (disambiguation).

Motutapu Island
View of the Karikari Peninsular with Motutapu Island taken during ISS Expedition 18.
Motutapu Island is located in Northland Region
Motutapu Island
Motutapu Island
Geography
LocationNorthland Region
Coordinates34°46′52.5″S 173°21′31.6″E / 34.781250°S 173.358778°E / -34.781250; 173.358778
Administration
New Zealand
Map
Motutapu Island, Far North, NZ

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.

It is about 72 kilometres (45 mi) northwest of Kerikeri and about 73 kilometres (45 mi) southeast of Cape Reinga.[1]

Etymology

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

  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
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