A local sanctuary for many of our native birdlife — one of The Rock Team's favourite island stops.
Moturua is one of the 144 islands that make up the Bay of Islands. The Māori name of Moturua translates to "island number two": Motu meaning island or to stand alone, and Rua meaning number 2. It is thought it got its name as it is the second island you see after Motuarohia as you come out into the greater Bay of Islands from Russell or Paihia. However, Rua can also mean caves, and it's thought that there are caves on the island.
Moturua is where we often love to come on The Rock Adventure Cruise for either a snorkel or island adventure, or sometimes both! One of our favourite snorkelling spots around Army Bay is on this island, with lots of kina (sea urchins) and an abundance of native fish life. Army Bay got its name as it was occupied by the Navy who operated a mine control station in World War II as part of the coastal defence strategy for the Bay of Islands.
HISTORY AND WALKING
You can take a walk up the track from Army Bay to see the concrete blocks which remain from radio rooms and observation posts from that time. You can also walk through the bush and around the island in 2.5 hours on the loop track with stunning views of the Bay of Islands along the way.
CONSERVATION
Moturua is part of Project Island Song, a conservation project run by the Department of Conservation. Lots of native birds have been introduced to the islands including Moturua — some are flightless such as the kiwi. Rats have been removed due to pest traps and other conservation initiatives. You may still see pest traps on the island to help maintain it as a pest-free zone.
The island is home to a number of holiday homes — one of which is a bach that can be rented via bookabach.co.nz and reached via water taxi. The island has 4 beautiful bays with crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding. A must-do island to visit if you are in the area!