Mokoia Island is a mysterious island in the middle of Lake Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 Mokoia Island is a mysterious island in the center of Lake Rotorua on New Zealand's North Island. For the Maori people, it is not only a beautiful nature reserve, but also a sacred place full of history and legends. The most famous story on the island is the Maori version of "Romeo and Juliet" - the love legend of Tutanekai and Hinemoa. Hinemoa once swam across the icy lake just to meet his lover, making this island a symbol of romance. Mokoia Island is now a protected area, home to many New Zealand-specific bird species such as the kiwi and saddleback. You need to join a guided tour to get on the island, where you can not only appreciate the primeval forest and geothermal hot springs up close, but also listen to the traditional stories of the local Maori people and feel the profound cultural atmosphere. For those who love nature and history, this place is definitely worth a visit!