Mangaia Island Vacation Guide

Map of Mangaia Island

The ray-shaped Mangaia Island is the oldest island in the South Pacific and an interesting travel destination in Cook Islands that is off the beaten track. Visitors are able to stay at guest house type accommodation, or Ara Moana is a family run property of 8 bungalows. Other options are Babe's Place and Mangaia Lodge. Mangaia is sure to offer that extra adventure for the Cook Islands tourist looking for more than just a place to relax. Here you can relax and also enjoy a great deal of other things.

Some of the main features and activities of Mangaia are as follows:

• Swim at small sandy coves created from impressive eroded coral reef cliff formations.
• Buy local handicrafts such as coloured hat bands, necklaces, and other decorative items made from 'pupu' shells.
• Enjoy an escape from commercialised tourism.
• Watch local Mangaian performances of Polynesian dance displays.
• Its ancient geological formatio is of keen interest to geologists.
• Visit the spectacular caves at Teruarere.
• Take a guided island tour to learn of the island's unique history and geological past. Or rent a motor scooter and tour independently.
• Hiking trips and fishing trips are available.
• Listen to beautiful harmonious singing at a Sunday Church service.
• Watch migrating whales pass by along the coast (seasonal and mostly in July, August and September)
• Enjoy a milder climate .. Mangaia is the most southernmost part of the Cook Islands (near 22⁰ South)

Mangaia has a unique geological structure. The central section is of volcanic origin and reaches almost 170 metres (550 feet). This central cone is encircled by a ring of 60 metre (200 feet) high 'makatea' (upraised fossilised coral reef). Its width averages about 1.5 kilometres. Erosion in these old limestone cliffs has led to the formation of beautiful caves with stalactite and stalagmite formations. Streams drop down inwards from the outer makatea to form a lake and swamp areas that are ideal for the cultivation of taro crops. The highest peak is Rangimotia (169 m or 550 ft) and its area is 51 sq km (nearly 20 sq miles). Captain Cook visited Mangaia in March 1777. The island was visited by the missionary John Williams 46 years later during the 'missionary period' but he was not successful here as he was in other parts of Cook Islands and was faced by a hostile reception. There is an airstrip at Mangaia that offers regular flights to and from Rarotonga via Air Rarotonga. Mangaia is south-east of Rarotonga and the flight takes about 40 minutes.