Steeple Rock

Steeple Rock is the largest rock of Barrett Reef at the west of the entrance to Wellington Harbour, rising 7 metres (23 ft) above sea level. The rock plays a role in warning ships off the dangerous reef. It is the location of a marine light and an unbeaconed trig station (‘Steeple Rock Light’, geodetic code B0XX).

Its Māori name is Te Aroaro-o-Kupe (The front of Kupe or The presence of Kupe^[1]). The name was officially changed in 2009 from Te Ure-o-Kupe (The penis of Kupe).^[2]^[3] Kupe, the legendary discoverer of Aotearoa, is said to have injured himself on the rock while swimming.

References

^ "Wellington Region - Early Māori History". Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 30 November 2016.
^ "Steeple Rock/Te Aroaro-o-Kupe". Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) - Toitū te whenua. Archived from the original on 30 August 2014.
^ Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand - Maori exploration in Wellington

41°19′26″S 174°50′29″E / 41.323975°S 174.841294°E / -41.323975; 174.841294

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[1] "Wellington Region - Early Māori History". Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 30 November 2016.

[2] "Steeple Rock/Te Aroaro-o-Kupe". Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) - Toitū te whenua. Archived from the original on 30 August 2014.

[3] Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand - Maori exploration in Wellington

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