Motuarohia Island facts for kids
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Roberton Island
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Overlooking Motuarohia from the lookout
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 Motuarohia Island
Location in New Zealand
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| Geography | |
| Location | Bay of Islands |
| Coordinates | 35°14′0″S 174°10′0″E / 35.23333°S 174.16667°E |
| Area | 0.634 km2 (0.245 sq mi) |
| Length | 2 km (1.2 mi) |
| Highest elevation | 78 m (256 ft) |
| Administration | |
Motuarohia Island (also called Roberton Island) is a small island in the beautiful Bay of Islands in New Zealand. It's about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) northeast of Russell.
The island stretches about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from east to west. Its south side has two bays with sandy beaches, perfect for relaxing. The north side has steep cliffs on its western end, rising up to 78 meters (256 feet) high. It also has two shallow lagoons. These lagoons almost cut the island in half, reaching close to the bay on the south coast.
Most of Motuarohia Island is privately owned. However, a central part, about 19.4 hectares (48 acres), is public land. This public area is looked after by the Department of Conservation. The name Motuarohia means "reconnoitred island," which means "explored island."
Contents
Island History: A Look Back in Time
Motuarohia Island has a long and interesting human history. Archaeologists have found old sites here, including a pa (a fortified Māori village), terraces, and storage pits. These show that people lived on the island a long time ago.
Captain Cook's Visit
In 1769, famous explorer Captain James Cook sailed his ship, the HMS Endeavour, to the island. He anchored just south of Motuarohia. Because of his visit, one of the bays is now called Cook's Cove. Captain Cook wrote that there were about 200 to 300 Māori people living on the island at that time. He also noted a pa at the eastern tip of the island.
Changing Hands: Roberton Island
Later, the island became known as Roberton Island. This name came from a person who bought parts of the island from Ngāpuhi chiefs in 1839. Over time, different parts of the island were sold. Since 1979, the central section, including the lagoons, has been public land. This means everyone can visit and enjoy it.
Protecting Nature: Conservation Efforts
Motuarohia Island is a special place for nature. It's part of the Department of Conservation's "Project Island Song." This project aims to make the islands in the Bay of Islands free from pests like rats and stoats. Because of this effort, Motuarohia is now pest-free.
Home for Rare Birds
Being pest-free means the island is a safe home for many rare and endangered birds. You might spot:
- Whiteheads
- Brown kiwi (New Zealand's famous flightless bird)
- NZ dotterels (especially during their breeding season)
Native forests are also growing back across most of the island. This is especially true in an area on the western end where pine trees were once cut down.
Fun Activities: Recreation on the Island
The two lagoons in the middle of Motuarohia Island are surrounded by grassy areas. This spot is a popular stop for small tour boats coming from Paihia and Russell. While it's not as busy as the larger Urupukapuka Island nearby, it's still a great place to visit. Tour boats anchor in the bay, and then use a smaller boat to take passengers to the sandy beach.
Exploring the Island
There are several ways to explore Motuarohia:
- A walking track leads from the grassy area to a lookout point. From here, you can see amazing views of the twin lagoons.
- Another walking track takes you to the old pa site, where you can learn about the island's history.
- For those who love the water, there's an educational underwater trail. Snorkelers can follow this trail to learn about the marine life around the island.
