Motutapu Island (Karikari Peninsula) Explained

Motutapu Island
Location:Northland Region
Coordinates:-34.7813°N 173.3588°W
Map:Northland
Country:New Zealand

Motutapu Island is a small island in the Far North Region of Northland New Zealand. It is situated within the Moturoa Islands about off the Karikari Peninsula.

It is about northwest of Kerikeri and about 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]

Notes and References

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