Moturekareka Island facts for kids

Moturekareka Island is a small island located near Kawau Island in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf, about 43.7 kilometers (27 miles) north of Auckland city. It is separated from Motuketekete Island by a narrow stretch of water called Blanche Channel.

What is Moturekareka Island?

Moturekareka Island is a small piece of land surrounded by water. It is part of the many islands in the beautiful Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand. The island is known for its interesting history, especially because of a very old ship that rests near its shores.

The Story of the Ship 'Rewa'

A large, old ship called the Rewa acts as a kind of wall on the northeastern side of Moturekareka Island. This ship was originally built in England in 1889 and was first named the Alice A. Leigh. It was a full-rigged ship, meaning it had many sails on four masts. Later, it was changed into a four-masted barque and renamed the Rewa.

In 1930, the island's owner, Charles Hanson, decided to sink the Rewa on purpose. He wanted it to create a calm area of water, like a breakwater, for boats. When the ship was sunk, its top deck was cut off at an angle as the tide came in. You can still see parts of the masts lying in the water near the front of the ship.

Who Lived on the Island?

For many years, the Laing-Smith family lived on Moturekareka Island. They worked as commercial fishermen, catching fish to sell. You can still find the concrete base of their old house on the island today. There are also tracks that were made by a bulldozer for logging, which means cutting down trees. These tracks can still be walked on, offering paths to explore the island.

After the Laing-Smith family, the island had one more owner before it was given to the Department of Conservation (DOC). The DOC helps protect New Zealand's natural and historical places.

Images for kids

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  Motuketekete, Moturekareka and Motutara Islands seen from Martins Bay, Mahurangi