Motuara Island
The wooden lookout tower on the summit of Motuara Island, near to where, in 1770, Captain Cook proclaimed British sovereignty over Queen Charlotte Sound | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Marlborough Sounds |
| Coordinates | 41°05.5′S 174°16.5′E / 41.0917°S 174.2750°E |
| Highest elevation | 128 m (420 ft) |
| Administration | |
Department of Conservation (New Zealand) | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
| Additional information | |
| Bird sanctuary | |
Motuara Island is a scenic and historical reserve that lies at the entrance to Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui. It is notable for the actions of James Cook. During HMS Endeavour's stay at nearby Meretoto / Ship Cove, Cook climbed to the summit of Motuara, and formally (and controversially) claimed it and the adjacent lands in the name of and for the use of the sovereign of the British Empire.
The island is 59 hectares (150 acres) in size. Motu means island and ara is a path; hence, Motuara literally means the island in the path (of the canoes).