Rurima Island facts for kids
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Rurima (Māori)
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Rurima Rocks, viewed from above Whakatane
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| Geography | |
| Location | Bay of Plenty |
| Coordinates | 37°49′52.352335″S 176°52′18.92″E / 37.83120898194°S 176.8719222°E |
| Archipelago | Rurima Rocks |
| Length | 0.5 km (0.31 mi) |
| Administration | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
Rurima Island is a small, special island in the Bay of Plenty. This area is located off the coast of New Zealand's North Island. Rurima is the biggest island in a group called the Rurima Rocks. Two smaller islands, Moutoki and Tokata, are about 1 kilometer away.
These islands are a nature reserve, which means they are protected. No one lives on them. The Ngāti Awa iwi (a Māori tribe) owns these islands.
Discover Rurima Island
Rurima Island is about 500 meters long. It has two pretty bays and sandy beaches on its northwest side. A wide, shallow reef stretches north from the island. This reef is almost like a calm lagoon. The island itself is covered with pohutukawa trees.
What Can You Do at Rurima?
Many people enjoy visiting Rurima Island for fun activities.
- Snorkeling lets you explore the underwater world.
- Diving takes you even deeper to see marine life.
- Kayaking is a great way to paddle around the island.
There is also an old ship wreck nearby. The SS Tasman sank on the southwest reef in 1912. You can still find parts of it underwater.
Special Features of the Islands
The Rurima Rocks are a very important place for nature.
- Wildlife Protection: In the 1980s, Kiore (Polynesian Rats) were removed from the islands. This helped protect the native animals.
- Tuatara Home: Moutoki Island, one of the Rurima Rocks, is a long-time home for tuatara. Tuatara are unique reptiles found only in New Zealand.
- Warm Waters: There is some geothermal activity around the islands. This means there is heat coming from under the Earth's surface.
The closest town to Rurima Island is Thornton. It is about 1 kilometer upstream from the mouth of the Rangitaiki River.
