Steeple Rock

Steeple Rock is the largest rock of Barrett Reef at the west of the entrance to Wellington Harbour, rising 7 metres (23 ft) above sea level. The rock plays a role in warning ships off the dangerous reef. It is the location of a marine light and an unbeaconed trig station (‘Steeple Rock Light’, geodetic code B0XX).

Steeple Rock, Wellington Harbour

Its Māori name is Te Aroaro-o-Kupe (The front of Kupe or The presence of Kupe[1]). The name was officially changed in 2009 from Te Ure-o-Kupe (The penis of Kupe).[2] Kupe, the legendary discoverer of Aotearoa, is said to have injured himself on the rock while swimming.[3]

References
  1. "Wellington Region - Early Māori History". Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 30 November 2016.
  2. Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand - Maori exploration in Wellington
  3. "Steeple Rock/Te Aroaro-o-Kupe". Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) - Toitū te whenua. Archived from the original on 30 August 2014.


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