Steeple Rock

Steeple Rock/Te Aroaro-o-Kupe is a large rock off Seatoun 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 coast.

The name was officially changed in 2009 from the English "Steeple Rock" to the current dual name of Steeple Rock/Te Aroaro-o-Kupe as part of the 2009 Treaty of Waitangi settlement between Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika and the New Zealand government.

[3][4][5] Kupe, the legendary discoverer of Aotearoa, is said to have injured himself on the rock while swimming.

It originally ran on gas but was converted to solar power in 1993.

Steeple Rock, Wellington Harbour
Photo of rocks protruding from ocean.
The Pinnacles, a line of rocks south of Steeple Rock.