Motuarohia/Roberton Island
Introduction
Motuarohia/Roberton Island has a significant Maori history and offers a range of recreation activities, including a track to a stunning pa site, an educational underwater trail for snorkellers, and water skiing.
Features
Historic heritage
Motuarohia Island features a number of archaeological sites including pa, terraces, pits, and gardening lines around the central lagoon area.
Cook visited Motuarohia anchoring off Cook's Cove in 1769.
In 1839, Motuarohia became known as Roberton Island. A sad story of death and retribution surrounding Roberton's family ensued and 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.
Natural features
Topography
The topography of Motuarohia ranges from steep coastal cliffs which face the open sea to the north and west, with headlands dissected by moderately steep gullies on its southern side. Flat lat surrounds a lagoon area on the southern side of Motuarohia.
Vegetation
Vegetation consisits of kikuyu grass flats, kanuka/native shrub hardwood forest and extensive stands of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) with a regenerating understorey of native shrub hardwoods which are mainly hangehange and coprosoma spp. Coastal cliff communities are extensive with pohutukawa and the coastal tussock (Chionachloa bromoides). Stands of maritime pine were originally grown for the extraction of turpentine. Extensive planting of native coastal species has resulted in native forest regeneration in areas of felled to waste pine forest on the western end of the island.
Conservation
North Island brown kiwi number approximately 40 birds estimated post a survey in April 2006 (R. Colbourne 2006).
Dotterel nest protection is undertaken during the breeding season.
Habitation
There is permanent habitation in at least one of the 9 dwellings on private land and there are multiple ancillary buildings.
Public conservation land: Motuarohia Island Recreation Reserve 19.488 ha
Private land 43.914 ha
Total Area: 63.402
Activities
There is good beach access to the centre of the island and a DOC walking track to a prominent pa site caters for large number of day visitors. In the summer months interpretation is installed in the lagoon for an underwater snorkel trail.
Location
Motuarohia/Roberton Island is an island in the Bay of Islands on Northland's east coast.
Getting there
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.
Activities
Diving and snorkelling
Places to stay
There is no accommodation on Motuarohia/Roberton Island.
Plan and prepare
- Boat/sea kayak access
- For your own safety avoid leaving the tracks as there are cliffs and steep bluffs on the island
- No dogs due to risks to wildlife.
Before travelling to Motuarohia Island, find out how you can help keep the island pest-free in the island visit information pack.
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