Motutapu is a small island on the east side of Rarotonga island, within Rarotonga's coral reef, in the Cook Islands. To its north is the Avana Passage through the reef, and Ngatangiia Harbour. To its west is Muri Lagoon. Motutapu is about off the main island, and has a maximum elevation of 12 metres.
Etymology
The name "Motutapu" means "Sacred island" in several Polynesian languages.Vaka Moana: Voyages of the Ancestors. Howe, K. R. (editor), p. 33
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