Motutaiko Island
Motuaiko Island is an island within Lake Taupō on the North Island of New Zealand. The lake's only island, it sits near the town of Motutere. The name "Motutaiko" is from the Māori language, with "motu" meaning island, and "taiko" being a name for the black petrel ("Procellaria parkinsoni"). Natural features. Motutaiko is formed out of a column of rhyolitic lava, connected to the geologic systems of Lake Taupō. The island was likely formed after an underwater magma vent's releases cooled and hardened into a cone, with Motutaiko forming the apex. Several endangered species live on  the island, including Wainuia clarki. Other animals present on the island include small skinks and a colony of cormorants. Maori tradition. The island is spiritually significant to the Māori people, and landing on the island is therefore prohibited by the government. Rangituamatotoru, a major chief of the Ngāti Tūwharetoa, was buried in a sacred cave on the island in the 18th century. The taniwha of Lake Taupō, named Horomatangi, is said to live in a cave on the island's northeastern face. The creature is also said to be the pet of Ngātoro-i-rangi.