What is special about motutapu Island?
A sacred island Motutapu is a taonga (treasure) with many special places. The earliest settlement sites were blanketed with ash from the emerging volcano, and archaeologists have found the footprints of people and dogs preserved in solidified ash layers after Maori returned to Motutapu between eruptions.
Do people live on motutapu?
During its varied past Motutapu has been intensively settled and cultivated by Maori, hosted Victoria picnic parties of over 10,000 people, and at times during WWII was a base for more than 1,000 military personnel.
Is motutapu island a volcano?
The island called Motutapu is very old and sits majestically in the centre of Auckland’s inner gulf islands. The newest gulf island, the now dormant volcano, Rangitoto, nudges up against it. Its base is hard rock, 180 million years old while its neighbour Rangitoto was borne by volcanic eruption just 600 years ago.
What was motutapu island used for in the early 1900s?
European History. Deer, wallabies, and other exotic animals were introduced to Motutapu Island as a visitor attraction in the 1860s and by the early 20th century it had become a popular visitor destination (hosting Victorian picnic parties of over 10,000 people).
Who owns motutapu Island?
the New Zealand Government
Who owns Pakatoa Island?
John Ramsey
Has Pakatoa island been sold?
Ramsey bought Pakatoa for $4.25m in 1994, from international conman Ralf Simon. The asking price is $40 million, which is almost three times the rateable value. It is currently uninhabited, apart from its caretaker, but Ramsey has stayed on the island with his family in the past.
Can you land on Pakatoa Island?
Pakatoa Island covers 24 hectares (59 acres) and in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand. Development on the island includes a tourist resort, a landing strip and a nine-hole golf course. …
Can you visit Pakatoa Island?
Currently an exclusive tourist and conference destination, Pakatoa offers a wide range of possibilities, including recreational activities such as scuba diving, sailing, and deep sea fishing. Pakatoa Island comprises 24 hectares of exclusive island in Aucklands Waitemata Harbour.
Can you stay on Rotoroa Island?
Whether you’re looking for a private getaway or corporate retreat, Rotoroa Island offers a range of unique accommodation options. Choose between a hostel style house and three private holiday homes.
Can you go on Browns Island?
How To Get There: Browns Island is only accessible via private hire boat – check out the charter companies in Auckland Harbour.
Can you land on Browns Island?
Reaching Browns Island by kayak and enjoying a few hours exploration is achievable and makes a fantastic day out. A good spot to land on the island is the large beach to the south west – an easy place from which to re-launch even if the tide’s out. Walk clockwise around the circumference of the island.
Can you kayak to Browns Island?
Paddling distance to Browns Island / Motukorea is 5.5km from St Heliers and there are some beautiful beaches to stop off along the way. Kayaking to Browns Island / Motukorea is highly recommended and also a prefect trip for the whole family.
Which is the largest island in the Hauraki Gulf?
Waiheke – also known as the ‘island of wine’ for its numerous award-winning wineries – and Great Barrier are the largest islands in the gulf, while others range from wildlife sanctuaries to volcanoes.
Is Little Barrier a marine reserve?
She’s just 16, but Mahina Walle has set herself an ambitious environmental goal – to help create a marine reserve around her home of Hauturu o Toi/Little Barrier Island. Hauturu, a 2817 hectare island on the outer edge of the Hauraki Gulf, is New Zealand’s oldest nature reserve, formed with some foresight back in 1895.
Do Marines have reserves?
Marines in the Marine Corps Reserve are critical to the Nation’s ability to put Marines where they need to be in order to fight and win its battles at home and abroad. Reserve Marines are ready to supplement the active-duty troops when needed.
Is Gulf Harbour a marine reserve?
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park area and map The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park covers the Hauraki Gulf, Waitemata Harbour, Firth of Thames and the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. It consists of public land – reserves and conservation areas administered by DOC, the foreshore, seabed and sea.
What animals live in the Hauraki Gulf?
Crayfish emerge from their lairs at night roaming widely to hunt shellfish, crabs, starfish and kina. Among the top predators in the Hauraki Gulf are dolphins such as bottlenose and common dolphins, which move through the waters feeding on kahawai, sprats and other large fish.
Are there seals in the Hauraki Gulf?
The Hauraki Gulf is teeming with an abundant array of interesting sea life. There’s no knowing what you might see, but there’s always a chance you’ll encounter seals, sharks, stingrays, and lots of different types of fish.
How is the Hauraki Gulf used?
It is one of New Zealand’s most valued and intensively used resources – for food gathering, recreation and conservation. It is also a significant economic asset, generating more than $2.7 billion in economic activity every year, including aquaculture, fishing, tourism, shipping and ferry transport.