Mokoia Island
How lucky are we? This morning dawned fair again and after packing we set out for the lake shore to board the boat to Mokoia Island.
Our guide, Richie, proved to be very knowledgeable about his Maori past , especially as related to the island and to the flora/fauna.
We heard many birds and saw a few, including saddlebacks, but were not treated to the sight of any kiwis as they are nocturnal. Richie referred to them as boring birds but was actually quite excited as one is due to hatch shortly.
The Waharoa (gateway) we’re standing at is dedicated to Tuhanekai and Hinemoa, lovers who were separated until Hinemoa tied gourds to herself to keep her afloat and swam out to the island at night to reach Tuhaneki. These were not legendary people and they got married and lived pretty happily ever after!
Jean
