Motukokako Island (Piercy Island) facts for kids
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Māori: Motu Kōkako
Nickname: The Hole In The Rock
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| Geography | |
| Location | Northland Region |
| Coordinates | 35°10′S 174°20′E / 35.167°S 174.333°E |
| Administration | |
Piercy Island, also known as "The Hole In The Rock", is a special island off the northern coast of New Zealand. Its Māori name is Motu Kōkako. You can find it at the very tip of Cape Brett Peninsula in the beautiful Bay of Islands. This island is owned by Māori families and is looked after by the Motu Kōkako Ahu Whenua Trust. They make sure it benefits the families who have traditionally owned the land for a very long time.
Contents
Why Motu Kōkako Is Important
Motu Kōkako is very important to the Ngāpuhi iwi (tribe), which is a large Māori group. For many years, it has been a place for sacred Māori activities.
A Story from the Past
People say that the Tūnui-a-rangi canoe landed here before going to other places like Ngunguru and Whangarei. This story connects the island deeply to Māori history and travel.
The Rock That Stands Strong
The island also reminds people of a special Māori saying, called a whakataukī. It is "Te toka tū moana", which means "the rock standing in the sea". This saying is about someone who stays strong and brave no matter what challenges they face, just like a rock stands firm against the powerful ocean waves.
Nature and Wildlife on the Island
Motu Kōkako is one of the most important islands in the Bay of Islands for nature. It is almost completely untouched by humans. This means it is a very healthy place for plants and animals.
Plants and Animals Found Here
Scientists have explored the island and found many different kinds of life. A survey in 1987 found 99 different types of plants growing there. They also saw two kinds of petrels, which are seabirds, and several types of lizards. The island is special because there are no introduced animals, like rats or stoats, that could harm the native wildlife.
How Piercy Island Got Its Name
The famous explorer James Cook sailed past this island a long time ago. He decided to name it "Piercy Island". He did this to honor one of the important leaders of the British Navy at the time.
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Exploring the Hole in the Rock
The most famous part of Piercy Island is its amazing natural hole. This hole is about 60 feet (18 meters) tall at sea level. It was formed over hundreds of years by the wind and waves crashing against the rock. This natural arch is one of New Zealand's most beautiful natural sights.
Fun Ways to Visit
Because it's so popular, many tours go to the Hole in the Rock. If the ocean is calm and the tide is right, some boats can even drive right through the hole! This is a thrilling experience for visitors. You can also take helicopter tours to see the island from above.
Working Together for the Island
For a long time, there were some disagreements about how tourist boats used the island. The owners of the island, the Motu Kōkako Ahu Whenua Trust, wanted to make sure the island was respected and that they received a fair share from the tours.
Today, the Trust works together with some tour companies. For example, they have an agreement with Salt Air, which runs helicopter tours. Salt Air pays a small fee for each visitor they bring to the island. This helps to recognize the traditional rights of the Māori owners to their land and sea.
