Army Bay (Bay of Islands) Traditional Cache
Army Bay (Bay of Islands)
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Size: 
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Another seat on the series by Russell School. You'll need a boat to get here. I usually kayak from Tapeka Point, stopping off at Roberton Island (Motuarohia) on the way. If the tide is right I kayak out of the lagoons and head to one of the closest beaches visible. Then I walk around the island in an anti-clockwise direction (easier I think). You will be rewarded with great views. The walk takes 1 to 2 hours depending what you do on the way. GPS is old, so use the clue too.
Historic Moturua Island Scenic Reserve Human history Maori settlement The island currently has twenty-seven recorded archaeological sites (CINZAS) including headland pa, midden, gardening sites, terraces, and pits. The density of archaeological remains indicates that prehistoric Maori thrived in this island environment. Very early midden (food refuse) is recorded on this island one even containing moa bone, indicating the presence of some of New Zealand’s earliest settlers. European explorers visited the island Early explorer Captain Cook anchored off Moturua in 1769 and traded with Maori for food. Three years later, French explorer Marion Du Fresne and his crew set up temporary camp on the island for three months in Wai-iti and Waipao Bay. As indicated in the “Plan Du Port Marion” of the Bay of Islands, the French set up a hospital, forge (iron working), a small tent for the officers, and quarters for the guards located near a little stream (Lee 1983:20). Drawing of the pa (view larger, JPG, 77K) Due to various occurrences, relations soured as Du Fresne and some of his crew were attacked while they were fishing in Te Kuri’s cove in Manawara Bay. The French retaliated, and Paeroa pa was sacked and burnt to the ground. It is estimated that 250 Maori warriors were killed during the battle. A week later, the remaining French sailed out of the bay and left a claim to the land in a bottle that was buried next to the little stream in Waipao Bay. Although the French destroyed Paeroa pa they did however map it in great detail, and this remains one of the best examples of an early post contact pa (Groube 1964). The Navy occupied Moturua in World War II The Navy operated a mine control station in Army Bay of Moturua in World War II as part of the coastal defence strategy for the Bay of Islands. At Army Bay the remains of structures are still visible: a mine observation post built on top of Hikurangi pa; concrete pads for the ablution blocks and barracks on the back beach flats. As you walk up the track to the pa there are below ground structures represented by square concrete platforms with entry hatches these were the radio rooms and ancillary room (Salmond, Reed). Visiting Moturua This stunning island has four lovely beaches and an easy walking track around the island. You can access the archaeological sites from the track. Enjoy the 360º views from Hikurangi pa. Getting there Moturua Island is located in the Eastern Bay of Islands.The four main bays, Otupoho, Waipao, Mangahawea and Waiwhapuku all offer safe anchorage for visitors. DOC's work DOC's work on Moturua Island includes ongoing historic research 'Project Island Song' - a major pest eradication and restoration programme construction of new toilets in 2009 upgrade of the track around the island in 2007 References Lee, J. 1983. I have named it the Bay of Islands. Hodder and Stoughton Ltd. Auckland, New Zealand. Ross, R., 1946. New Zealand’s First Capital. Department of Internal Affairs. Wellington, New Zealand. Groube, L. Archaeology in the Bay of Islands 1964-65. Anthropology Department, University of Otago. Salmond and Reed Architects, 2004. Defence building structures Moturua Island, Bay of Islands, Northland. For the Department of Conservation.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Oruvaq gur frng . Ybbxvat ng gur frng vg’f gb gur evtug naq fyvtugyl oruvaq.