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| Mangaia Island |
Mangaia offers those who like a little action a good selection of eco-tourism activities. While only a small island, you can go rock climbing, abseiling, trekking through virgin bush, diving in deep freshwater caves, diving or snorkelling outside Mangaia's spectacular reef, trail bike riding through the now forested hilly interior of the island or bareback horse riding. The island of Mangaia is the southernmost and the second largest of the Cook Islands. The oldest island of the group, renowned for it's 'ei pupu' (shell leis).
It's approximately 176km south east of Rarotonga.
Numerous limestone caves are scattered throughout the makatea forest some of which have been used as ancient burial sites.
Mangaia has many caves scattered over the makatea and private properties. Many of which can be reached via a short trek over the makatea to yawning openings and run deep into the interior. The Mangaian Kingfisher (Tanga'eo) bird is unique to the island of Mangaia while the Mangaian Reed Warbler (Kerearoko) is endemic to Mangaia. Secluded coves scattered around the island with tiny sandy beaches. The overlapping makatea coral on the beach makes a good picnic area or shelter on rainy days.
There are various tours carried out on the island including a variety of Cave tours, a 4-wheel Safari cross-island tour, special interest tours, beach and inland picnic tours. There are two motorbike and equipment hire outlets namely Moana Rentals and Mangaia Bike and Equipment hire. The local post office provides telecommunication services/postage, banking services, along with a Tourism Information outlet.
Mangaia Two-day Cave Trip
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Over millions of years water has eroded channels thorough the porous limestone forming most spectacular caves. Visitors to Mangaia usually opt for taking the Nature Walk and Cave Tour visiting four different caves, each being between 30 and 100m in length. But now you can visit caves that are kilometres long and largely unexplored. If you are a caving enthusiast but have limited time, Ara Moana Bungalows is now offering a two-day safari where you spend hours under ground.
If your tastes are more moderately adventurous you may take numerous hiking trips and, with a local guide, visit the truly amazing caves that honeycomb the fossilised coral of the Makatea that rings the entire island.
Or you can go fishing in a local "vaka" (outrigger canoe) or rent a motor bike for a trip around the island. If you prefer calmer pursuits you can go to a tea party with the local chief or join the village ladies at their handcrafts.
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Best of all, you can relax on the secluded beaches near by. Twice a week, normally Wednesdays and Fridays, Ara Moana holds an Island Night with a traditionally cooked Polynesian dinner and a string band or dance group performing. There is also antenna provided for radio amateurs.
Island tour by motorcycle or 4-wheel drive vehicle (3 hours) Island tour by motorcycle or 4-wheel drive vehicle (2 hours) Makatea and cave tour (3 hours) Te-rua-rere cave tour (one hour) Toru-a-puru cave tour (half hour).
Also on offer are various ocean and reef fishing packages either with or without guides
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