Motutaiko Island. Lake Taupo. North Is. New Zealand.
S 38° 51.300 E 175° 56.600
60H E 408313 N 5698783
Motutaiko is a small island of volcanic origin situated in Lake Taupo. It is a sacred burial site for Ngati Tuwharetoa ancestors who are preserved in the caves there.
Waymark Code: WMJH7Z
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 11/18/2013
Views: 7
The island covers 11 hectares and is steeped in spiritual and cultural significance for the Ngati Tuwharetoa Iwi (tribe). The whole of Motutaiko Island is tapu (sacred) to the people of Ngati Tuwharetoa Iwi and is privately owned. For these reasons, landing on, visiting, swimming, or carrying out any activities on the island, without the consent of the Motutaiko Island Trustees, is forbidden.
In historical times the Ngati Tuwharetoa Tribe used the island, Motutaiko, as a fortified stronghold. Several caves on the Northern side of the island contain burial sites which are considered sacred and tapu. The bones of the deceased were stored in here.
If you are able to visit by boat please respect the wishes of the Maori owners, and do not go ashore. You will be able to see the beauty of this rocky island shoreline as you float around it, but there is a large Black Shag colony on the western side of Motutaiko so watch out for missile droppings from birds in flight! However, you can visit 'from afar', there are ample opportunities to see and photograph the island from the Lake shore on the highway southwards from Taupo, near Jellico Point or Hatepe or further south at Mission Bay.
Parking in Lakeside Reserve at Jellicoe Point: S 38° 52.820 E 175° 58.400
Interesting reading: (
visit link) Page 73.