Motutaiko Island
Motuaiko Island is an island within Lake Taupo on the North Island of New Zealand. The lake's largest island, it sits near the town of Motutere.
![]() Motutaiko Island as seen from Tauranga Taupo | |
![]() ![]() Motutaiko Island Motutaiko Island's location within New Zealand ![]() ![]() Motutaiko Island Motutaiko Island (North Island) | |
Geography | |
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Location | Lake Taupo |
Coordinates | 38.854°S 175.942°E |
Area | 11 ha (27 acres) |
Length | 400 m (1300 ft) |
Width | 550 m (1800 ft) |
Coastline | 1,500 m (4900 ft) |
Highest elevation | 600 m (2000 ft) |
Administration | |
Natural features
Motutaiko is formed out of a column of rhyolitic lava, connected to the geologic systems of Lake Taupo. 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] Rangituamatotoru, 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 Taupo, 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]
References
- Stout, Sir Robert. "Lake Taupo". NZTEC. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
- "Motutaiko Island". NZ DOC. Archived from the original on 4 March 2014. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
- "Motutaiko Island / Places of significant interest in Taupo". Living Heritage. Retrieved 4 October 2020.