Historic Motuarohia Island Recreation Reserve
Human history
Māori settlement
The island has a significant Māori history with occupation likely from the earliest Polynesian settlement periods. Prehistoric Māori thrived in the island environment. This is highlighted by the density of archaeological sites on Motuarohia Island. Recorded archaeological sites include pa, terraces, pits, and gardening lines around the central lagoon area on the island.
View from the pa site
European explorers visited the island
In 1769, Captain Cook anchored the Endeavour just off this island in what is now known as Cook's Cove. Reportedly there were 200-300 Maori on the island, and he and his crew were involved in a small skirmish ending in gunfire.
Following this encounter, Cook and his crew found hospitality and plentiful supplies of food and water during the remainder of their stay in the Bay of Islands. Cook's artist Parkinson sketched the pa at the extreme eastern end of the island. Cook had a Tahitian on board the Endeavour who could understand and converse with Māori. This was undoubtedly an advantage over other explorers to the bay.
French explorer Marion du Fresne visited this island three years later to retrieve shingle from the lagoons as ballast for his ships.
European settlement and farming
In 1839, Motuarohia became known as Roberton Island named after John Roberton, a former whaling ship captain, who purchased the island from Ngapuhi chiefs. A year later, Roberton died in a boating accident, and Mrs Roberton and a man named Thomas Bull farmed the island.
A sad story of death and retribution surrounding Roberton's family ensued. It led to the first prosecution of an individual under New Zealand colonial law and is an important part of the history of the island and the nation.
Read the story of Maketu
Since the tragic time of Maketu, the island has passed through private ownership many times.
DOC's work
In 1979, the central section of the island came under the care of the Department of Conservation.
DOC is carrying out pest eradication as part of Project Island Song. Other conservation work includes looking after resident North Island brown kiwi and NZ dotterel nest protection during the breeding season.
Visiting Motuarohia Island
A central pa site offers extensive views of the Bay. You can access the pa from the island track. Motuarohia also offers a range of recreation activities, including an educational underwater trail for snorkellers, and water skiing.
Getting there
Motuarohia Island is located in the Bay of Islands. Once out on the water from Paihia or Russell, the first island you see is Motuarohia/Roberton Island, distinguished by its two glorious lagoons - the most photographed scene in the Bay.
References
Captain J. Cook on his Voyages of Discovery. Vol 1 "The voyage of the Endeavour, 1768-1771". J.C Beaglehole, Haluyt Society, 1955
Lee, J. 1983. I have named it the Bay of Islands. Hodder & Stoughton Ltd. Auckland, New Zealand.
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