Exploring Mokoia Island In Rotorua
Editorial Inspiration
Our guide to the Island Sanctuary & Maori Legend situated on Lake Rotorua
Book Top Experiences and Tours in Rotorua:
If youʻre booking your trip to Rotorua last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences!- Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet
- From Tauranga: Skydive over Mount Maunganui
- White Island & Whale Island 1-Hour Volcano Scenic Flight
- Okere Falls: Zipline over Waterfalls Experience
- Rotorua: Guided Zipline Adventure Tour with Photos
Maori legend tells that the island was once home to lovers Tutanekai and Hinemoa. Their love story became so popular that Rotorua named two intersecting streets in their honour.
The two lovers were forbidden to marry, with Hinemoa's father Umukaria, a chief from the shores of the lake, ordering that she not be allowed to travel by canoe to Tūtānekai's tribal village on the island. Hinemoa ignored the order and chose to swim 3.2 kilometres across the lake to the island, while guided by the sound of Tūtānekai's flute-playing.
Today, the uninhabited island is a sanctuary for many of New Zealand’s endangered wildlife and rare New Zealand birds. The foreshores of the island feature geothermal springs with hot spring water creating the Hinemoa pool, known to locals as Waikimihia.
The island is privately owned by local Māori iwi, who manage it for future generations to enjoy in conjunction with the New Zealand Department of Conservation. However, access is limited to tour parties only.
