Motuarohia Track Upgrade
Project name
Motuarohia Track Upgrade
Client name
Department of Conservation – Bay of Islands
Project location
Motuarohia Island (Roberton Island), Bay of Islands
Timeframe
Completed November 2019
Contractor
Milton Harward Construction Limited
Motuarohia Island (Roberton Island) is located within the Bay of Islands approximately 6km north-east of Russell.
Motuarohia Island is a significant heritage site which includes archaeological remnants of a significant pa and other important landscape features. This project provides better public access, protection of archaeological features, and ensures the safety of the expected visitors to the site.
Frame Group designed the upgrade of approximately 390m of existing walking track and steps leading to a new summit platform which was configured to utilise the original platform foundations, thus minimising archaeological impact, whilst providing a larger more spectacular viewing point for visitors. Work was completed in time for the Tuia 250 commemoration (250th Anniversary of Captain James Cook’s first arrival to New Zealand). Captain Cooks ship the Endeavour anchored near Motuarohia in 1769. The platform has been designed to emulate traditional maori waka design as well as features of the Endeavour.
