Motutaiko Island

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Motutaiko Island
Motutaiko Island.jpg
Motutaiko Island as seen from Tauranga Taupo
Motutaiko Island is located in New Zealand
Motutaiko Island
Motutaiko Island
Motutaiko Island's location within New Zealand
Geography
LocationLake Taupō
Coordinates38°51′14″S 175°56′31″E / 38.854°S 175.942°E / -38.854; 175.942Coordinates: 38°51′14″S 175°56′31″E / 38.854°S 175.942°E / -38.854; 175.942
Area11 ha (27 acres)
Length400 m (1300 ft)
Width550 m (1800 ft)
Coastline1,500 m (4900 ft)
Highest elevation600 m (2000 ft)
Administration

Motuaiko Island is an island within Lake Taupō on the North Island of New Zealand. The lake's only island, it sits near the town of Motutere.

Natural features[]

Motutaiko is formed out of a column of rhyolitic lava, connected to the geologic systems of Lake Taupō. The island was likely formed after an underwater magma vent's releases cooled and hardened into a cone, with Motutaiko forming the apex.[1]

Several endangered species live on the island, including Wainuia clarki. Other animals present on the island include small skinks and a colony of cormorants.[2]

Maori tradition[]

The island is spiritually significant to the Māori people, and landing on the island is therefore prohibited by the government.[3] , a major chief of the Ngāti Tūwharetoa, was buried in a sacred cave on the island in the 18th century.[2]

The taniwha of Lake Taupō, Horomatangi, is said to live in a cave on the island's northeastern face.[1] The creature is also said to be the pet of Ngātoro-i-rangi.[3]

Name[]

The name Motutaiko is from the Māori language, with motu meaning island, and taiko being a name for the black petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni).[4]

References[]

  1. ^ a b Stout, Sir Robert. "Lake Taupo". NZTEC. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Motutaiko Island". NZ DOC. Archived from the original on 4 March 2014. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  3. ^ a b "Motutaiko Island / Places of significant interest in Taupo". Living Heritage. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  4. ^ "Motutaiko Island". gazetteer.linz.govt.nz. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
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