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Pukapuka is the Cook Island's western most atoll and is situated relatively close to another Polynesian neighbour, Samoa. Part of the northern group, it is made up of a triangular shaped cluster of small idyllic islands, with Pukapuka Island (a.k.a Wale Island) home to the three main villages.

Remote, untouched and boasting superb beaches and an amazing array of marine life, Pukapuka has a population of just three hundred people. The islands' geographical location, language and culture have played an important part in regional cultural studies. Although the modern day person living on Pukapuka can speak the national language of Cook Island Maori, the island has its own distinct dialect which is closer to Samoan and Micronesian than it is to Cook Island Maori.

Historically, these islands received visitors as far back as 400AD. Even more ancient, one archaeological dig in particular unearthed dogs' bones dating back to around 300 BC. These specimens were similar in size and shape to the ancient dingo of Australia.

The people that came to live on these islands at a later time were known for their intimate knowledge of the ocean. Their navigation and sailing skills were extraordinary and their very survival depended on this skill, as they moved around the western Pacific seas before finally landing on the tiny low lying atoll of Pukapuka.

One story of survival on Pukapuka is legendary. It tells of the disaster back in 1525 when the islands' population was decimated as a tidal wave swept across the low lying atoll, killing all but 17 people - 15 men and 2 women. Thanks to the strength of our local people -especially the women - they were able to repopulate the island!

Distinctive Pukapuka offers you a somewhat different perspective of Cook Island life. However, even with a unique dialect all its own and customs and traditions influenced by other island nations, the welcome is just the same - friendly and without artifice. Visit this special place and enjoy its relaxed pace of life and natural splendour:

Flights
For details of flights to Pukapuka, please visit Air Rarotonga's website: www.airrarotonga.com
Here you can read about the details of the Northern Atoll Adventure Flights and see how to plan an island hopping journey around the northern group islands of the Cooks.

Accommodation
Visitor accommodation is at home stays where your hosts will be your guides, your advisors, your story tellers, your entertainment and by the end of the stay, some of your best friends.

Activities
The three main villages of Pukapuka are on Wale island - Ngake, Roto and Yato. Surprisingly for an atoll, a sizeable crop of Taro is grown on the interior of Wale Island, along with a small amount of bananas, papaya and copra.

Make sure you visit the island villages and have a chat to the local people. Visit the only church on the island, see its beautiful decoration.

For a full day excursion, ask your hosts for details of transport out to the central Kotawa Island which provides a wonderful opportunity to visit gorgeous beaches and to do some excellent swimming and snorkelling.

Don't forget Pukapuka, our island people would love for you to come and stay. Take this opportunity to share and learn about our distinctive culture and partake in our every day lives. We'll show you the best spots on our islands and you will have the time of your life!

A Few Facts & Figures

Pukapuka
Area: 1.3 sq km
Population: approx. 300
Climate: Temperate
Languages: Cook Island Maori, English and our own Pukapuka dialiect

THINGS TO REMEMBER
-Bring some of your favourite food & bottles of water, as our island's food and water supplies are limited.
-Pack a good pair of walking/trekking shoes and reef shoes are always handy
-Bring your own snorkelling equipment
-Bring a torch (flashlight), it may come in handy.
-Bring insect repellent.
-Change your money over to $NZ before you arrive in Pukapuka and please don't expect visa or eftpos transactions to be readily available.
-If you have any spare magazines, books or school supplies as gifts for our local kids, feel free to bring them along.