Motutaiko Island facts for kids
Motutaiko Island as seen from Tauranga Taupo
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 Motutaiko Island
Location in New Zealand
Motutaiko Island
Location in North Island
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Lake Taupo |
| Coordinates | 38°51′14″S 175°56′31″E / 38.854°S 175.942°E |
| Area | 11 ha (27 acres) |
| Length | 400 m (1,300 ft) |
| Width | 550 m (1,800 ft) |
| Coastline | 1,500 m (4,900 ft) |
| Highest elevation | 600 m (2,000 ft) |
| Administration | |
Motutaiko Island is a special island located in Lake Taupo in New Zealand. It is the biggest island in the lake. You can find it close to the town of Motutere.
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What Is Motutaiko Island?
Motutaiko Island is made from a type of rock called rhyolitic lava. This rock formed when hot, melted rock from deep inside the Earth cooled down. The island is connected to the volcanoes under Lake Taupo. It likely formed when an underwater volcano released lava. This lava cooled and hardened into a cone shape. Motutaiko Island is the very top part of this cone.
Island Size and Location
Motutaiko Island is about 11 hectares in size. That's like 11 football fields! It is around 400 meters long and 550 meters wide. The island's edge, or coastline, is about 1,500 meters long. The highest point of the island is about 600 meters above sea level.
Animals and Plants on Motutaiko Island
Motutaiko Island is home to some rare animals. These animals are called endangered species. This means they are at risk of disappearing forever.
Rare Animals
One special animal living there is a snail called Wainuia clarki. You can also find small skinks, which are a type of lizard. A group of cormorants, which are diving birds, also live on the island.
Motutaiko Island and Māori Culture
Motutaiko Island is very important to the Māori people. The Māori are the native people of New Zealand. Because of its spiritual importance, people are not allowed to land on the island. The government has made this a rule.
Sacred Burial Site
In the 1700s, a very important Māori chief was buried on the island. His name was Rangituamatotoru. He was a leader of the Ngāti Tūwharetoa tribe. His burial place is in a sacred cave on the island.
The Legend of Horomatangi
Māori stories tell of a creature called Horomatangi. This creature is a taniwha, which is a powerful water spirit. People say Horomatangi lives in a cave on the northeastern side of Motutaiko Island. It is also said to be the pet of a powerful ancestor named Ngātoro-i-rangi.
