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Mangaia is the southern most island of the Cook Islands and it's second largest. With its dramatic landscapes and ancient beauty, Mangaia is said to be the oldest island in the world, at around 18 million years.

Her formation is interesting in that she has undergone three stages of growth over those 18 million years. First as a volcano (like Atiu, Mitiaro and Mauke) she drew her old reef up with her. Secondly, the new reef formed and finally the volcano erupted, collapsed and formed the interior volcanic plateau.

The ring of makatea, the upraised coral platform that encircles the island, towers up from the coastline and just as dramatically drops off to the inner areas. Sometimes reaching heights of 200 meters and creating a natural barrier against the elements, the cliffs offer spectacular views.

From this coast line and through swamps, the hilly interior leads to a plateau at Rangimotia in the centre of the island, 500 feet above the sea.

Mangaia has a population of around 1200 people, spread throughout the three main villages of Oneroa, Ivirua and Tamarua. Oneroa is the center for administration for the island. The Post Office, Government offices and major traders are located here.

Mangaian people have earned the reputation of being hard working and independent. Above all, they epitomise Cook Island hospitality - warm, spontaneous and unrehearsed.

Air Rarotonga operates a regular flight schedule from Rarotonga to Mangaia at least four times a week. The flight takes about 50 minutes.

Mangaia has a wonderfully warm climate and even during the winter months (March to October) enjoys an average of around 23 -25 degrees Celsius.

Accommodation
Mangaia offers a fine variety of basic, centrally located accommodation options with all properties offering meal alternatives within the cost of your stay, either cooking meals for you or allowing you to make your own. Your hosts will be able to book you in for tours, suggest guides and they have an exhaustive knowledge of things to do and see.

Getting Around
Mitiaro is a big island, so unless you are fond of long walks, think about renting some transport. Rent a motorbike from one of the accommodation properties or join in the fun on an organised day tour to the beach, to the caves or around the island.

Activities
Mitiaro provides the explorer with a wide variety of options. Discover Mitiaro's little beaches and paddle along the shallow coastline bays, take an organised island tour, go reef walking or even deep sea fishing by canoe.

Make sure you visit our remarkable makatea caves, some of which boast formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Te Ruarere cave, which is the most accessible, was rediscovered by a local in the mid 1930's and can be visited with a local guide. Historically, some of these caves were used as burial sites before the missionaries arrived. Others served as fortresses for warriors and their tribes and evidence of whole societies living in these dark damp habitats is still very visible.

Food & Entertainment
Mangaia has its own restaurant, bakery and most accommodation properties offer meals to casual diners. Stores and a market offer basic products/produce.

Don't miss Mangaia, it is an unforgettable destination offering adventurous exploration, ancient sights and rich, natural beauty. We look forward to welcoming you to our little piece of heaven on earth.

A Few Facts & Figures

Mangaia
Area: 51.8 sq km
Population: Around 1000
Climate: Temperate
Languages: Cook Island Maori, English
Currency: $NZ (New Zealand Dollar)
Visa: On arrival in the Cook Islands, a 31 day visitor's permit is given out for all nationalities

THINGS TO REMEMBER:
-Bring some of your favourite food snacks as our shops just have the basics.
-Pack a good pair of walking/trekking shoes for walks to the makatea caves
-Insect Repellent is a must
-Bring a torch (flashlight)
-Change your money over to $NZ before you arrive in Mangaia and please don't expect visa or eftpos transactions to be readily available.