The following are some of the many
images of the island that seems to hold a special fascination.
I hadn't realised that I had photographed
it so many times from different positions.
When I came to select an image to include
on the page, I realised I had to choose from several.
So instead of selecting just one, I have
narrowed it down to these few.
There are many stories from Maori legends
and traditions associated with Tapu Te Ranga Island.
The refuge and shelter it provides gives
rise to the name, which means "The Isle of Hallowed Ways"
Early European settlers cleared the native
vegetation from the island and it soon became known as
"Goat Island" and then "Rat Island".
Efforts to redress the damage caused have met with limited success.
I need a line or two of writing in here &
can't think of anything at the moment.
Except maybe to ask if you can see the "hippo
shape" in the rocks in the foreground.
I liked the shapes and colours in this shot
and the island is there in the background.
Being able to see the stones through the
crystal clear water makes a statement too.