Off the Beaten Track to... Mokoia Island
Located in Lake Rotorua in New Zealand's North Island, is the tiny Mokoia Island (just 1.35 square kilometres). The island's present name, Mokoia, alludes to the death of Māori warrior, Arorangi at the hands of Uenukukōpako, whose weapon was a kō (digging stick). The death blow catching Arorangi across his tattooed forehea d - from the words moko (tattoo) and kō (digging stick) comes the name, Mokoia.
Mokoia Island is the location of one of New Zealand's most famous love stories. It is considered sacred by the local Māori, the Arawa iwi and access to the island is limited to small boat tour groups only.
The island is of particular interest to geographers as it is a rhyolite lava dome rising to 180 metres above the lake surface. This dome erupted after the Rotorua caldera was formed some 200,000 years ago tapping a different magma source. The island's foreshores have geothermal springs such as the one forming the famous Hinemoa pool (known to locals as Waikimihia).
Things To Do
- Bird watching – A number of endangered species have been introduced to the Mokoia Island sanctuary including weka (wood hen), North Island robin (toutouwai) and saddleback (tieke). You may also see native birds such as the pukeko (purple swamp hen), papango (teal), kokako and tui.
- Boat cruise – Enjoy a trip to and around the island.
- Bush walk – Take a guided walk and find out more about the island's native flora and fauna.
- Hot Pool – Soak in the famous hot pool Waikimihia (also known as Hinemoa's Pool). This is the pool that Hinemoa warmed herself in following her swim across the lake to Tutanekai.
- Māori Culture – Experience a warm Māori welcome and find out more about the love story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai, as well as Māori history, culture and traditional cuisine.
- Tree planting – Plant your own tree to commemorate your visit and help to replant native species on the island.
Find out how to get there and more about activities on Mokoia Island.
Useful Rotorua Links
To help plan your holiday in the Rotorua region choose from the main categories below:
