Motu Rotoroa is one of many pretty little islands to which you can do day trips from downtown Auckland. Others include Motu Ihenga (sometimes called Motu He), Motu Tapu, Tiritiri Matangi and Rakino. Then of course there's Waiheke and Rangitoto. All of these islands are ancient ancestral sites of various Hauraki and other Maori. You could happily spend a summer exploring the motu of the Hauraki Gulf, feeling the vibes and soaking up the sun. And you don't need a car!
Motu means island in Maori. Rotoroa can mean long setting sun. The name is said to have come about after Ngati Paoa forces pursued some members of Ngati Hako across the Hauraki gulf, capturing them at sunset on this little island.
Later the island became a place for alcoholics to dry out.
There were lots of little things on the island which caught my eye, especially this church:
Today Motu Rotoroa is being carefully replanted and will one day be a bush clad bird sanctuary. It has two beautiful swimming beaches, Ladies Bay and Mens Bay.
The cost of a return day trip by ferry is $49.
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