Motutapu Island (Bay of Islands)
  Location within Northland Region | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Bay of Islands |
| Coordinates | 35°11′34.4″S 174°01′04.7″E / 35.192889°S 174.017972°E |
| Administration | |
New Zealand | |
Motutapu Island is a small island in the Bay of Islands of New Zealand, located about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) northwest of Russell.[1] It is situated near Blacksmiths Bay, within the Kerikeri Inlet.
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
- ↑ "Motutapu Island, Northland – NZ Topo Map". NZ Topo Map. Land Information New Zealand. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
- ↑ "Motu". Te Aka Maori Dictionary.
- ↑ "Tapu". Te Aka Maori Dictionary.
- ↑ Vaka Moana – Voyages of the Ancestors – Howe, K.R. (Editor), Page 33