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Palmerston is a tiny island that is just two square kilomteres with a population of 52 who are all part of the same family.
Palmerston lies some 310 miles (500 km) from Rarotonga and has no airport or airline services. It is the only true atoll in the southern Cooks group. Palmerston's Lagoon is 11km wide and 30-odd small islands dot the reef but being quite flat, is subject to very strong winds, particularly from January to February each year.
The modcons we take for granted are there, but as with electricity, only sporadically - the service there runs power from 6am - midday, then 6pm - midnight.
Palmerston was discovered by James Cook in 1774 on his second voyage But he stop the land on his third and last voyage in 1777. William Marsters arrived from Manuae with two Polynesian wives and became a living legend. William Marsters died on 1899 aged 78years old).Now, inhabitants of Palmerston are all Marsters.
There are no resorts or motels on Palmerston, but homestay accommodation for about NZ$30/day is possible.
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