Is Motutapu island a volcano?

Is Motutapu island a volcano?

The island called Motutapu is very old and sits majestically in the centre of Auckland’s inner gulf islands. The newest gulf island, the now dormant volcano, Rangitoto, nudges up against it. Its base is hard rock, 180 million years old while its neighbour Rangitoto was borne by volcanic eruption just 600 years ago.

Who owns motutapu Island?

the New Zealand Government
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.

What does Motutapu mean in English?

‘Motutapu’, meaning “sacred” or “sanctuary” island, is a term used for various islands in a number of Polynesian cultures. The island can be accessed via regular ferry services departing from Auckland City.

How old is Motutapu?

178 million years old
At 178 million years old pest-free Motutapu is one of the oldest land masses in the Hauraki Gulf. The island has lived an exciting life – it was intensively settled by Maori, it hosted massive Victorian picnic parties, and was a base during WWll.

What animals are on Motutapu?

Motutapu Island is part of the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park with an abundance of marine life, rare seabirds and shorebirds. Marine life includes dolphins, whales, baby parore, spotties, kina, crayfish, eagle rays, triplefins and snapper.

What is special about motutapu Island?

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 animals are on motutapu?

What is special about motutapu?

What is special about Motutapu?

How did Motutapu get its name?

According to tradition, Motutapu was named after a place in the Polynesian homeland of the New Zealand Maori. The island is said to have been settled by the Maori ancestor Taikehu, who arrived on the Tainui canoe. Maori were living on Motutapu even before Rangitoto emerged from the sea some 600 years ago.

Can you stay on Motutapu Island?

Motutapu Island Stay the Night 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.