The abundance of these remains suggests that early Māori communities lived here.

Notably, an ancient midden containing moa bone has been found.

French explorer Marion Du Fresne and his crew set up temporary camp on the island in 1772.

[6] In World War II, the Royal New Zealand Navy operated a mine control station in Army Bay of Moturua.

[8] This Northland Region-related geography article is a stub.