Motutapu (Cook Islands)
.jpg) Rarotonga with Motutapu on right | |
  Location within Cook Islands | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Cook Islands |
| Coordinates | 21°14′51.5″S 159°43′31.4″W / 21.247639°S 159.725389°W |
| Archipelago | Cook Islands |
| Highest elevation | 12 m (39 ft) |
| Administration | |
Motutapu is a small island on the east side of Rarotonga island, within Rarotonga's coral reef, in the Cook Islands. To its north is the Avana Passage through the reef, and Ngatangiia Harbour.[1] To its west is Muri Lagoon. Motutapu is about 100 metres (330 ft) off the main island, and has a maximum elevation of 12 metres.[2]
Etymology
The name "Motutapu" means "Sacred island" in several Polynesian languages.[3]
References
- ↑ Richmond, Bruce M. (1990). Coastal Morphology of Rarotonga, Cook Islands. CCOP/SOPAC Technical Report 65. South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission. p. 27. Retrieved 26 April 2026.
- ↑ "Motutapu". Geoview.info.
- ↑ Vaka Moana: Voyages of the Ancestors. Howe, K. R. (editor), p. 33