Geologists estimate that Mangaia is at least 18 million years old, making it the oldest island in the Pacific. It's the second largest of the Cook Islands and the furthest south. It rises 4,750 metres (15,600 feet) above the ocean floor, and has a central volcanic plateau. Like many of the southern islands in the Cooks, it's surrounded by cliffs of fossilised coral, called the makatea, in this case 60 metres (200 feet) high. It looks beautiful in the centre picture, but the coral is razor sharp. Mangaia is also honeycombed with caves like the one pictured right with its owner, Teremanuia Taukakuma.
Mangaia is renowned for its shell neckbands or "eis". These are are made from the shells of the tiny yellow snail, the pupu, which emerges only after rain. Gathering, piercing and stringing is a very time consuming business. The women of the island often give the highly prized strands away as gifts of friendship to visitors from other islands in the Group. But they are also much in demand in Tahiti and Hawaii.
Shell photo courtesy of the Cook Islands Biodiversity Database
Shell photo courtesy of the Cook Islands Biodiversity Database
MANGAIA'S MOST SPECIAL
The Mangaia Kingfisher (Todiramphus ruficollaris) is found nowhere else in the world, and it's name is totally misleading. It never eats fish! Like its distant cousin, the Australian kookaburra, it preys instead on skinks, insects and spiders. The colourful bird lives high up in the forest growing on the makatea. Birdlife International says there are between 400 and 700 birds on the island, but because they're unique to Mangaia, they're classified as an endangered species
TARO
Taro is sometimes called the "potato of the tropics" and the finest is said to grow on Mangaia. For those who are interested, it's high in vitamins A and C, has only a trace of fat and is particularly good for anyone with digestive problems or food allergies.
As you can see from the photo above, Lush taro plantations and other vegetation thrive in the centre of the island at the bottom of the makatea, and in the central valley. But, much as I love the Islands, I have to say taro is an acquired taste!
As you can see from the photo above, Lush taro plantations and other vegetation thrive in the centre of the island at the bottom of the makatea, and in the central valley. But, much as I love the Islands, I have to say taro is an acquired taste!
Access:
Flights most days
Flights most days
The Lake opens into a cave in the makatea, but it's been at risk for years because of poor agricultural practices and a lack of proper management. In return for the work which has been done, the islanders have promised to protect the lake by banning pesticides, dumping, tethering of livestock and construction of any building within 50 metres of the shoreline.
Population 654
20 sq mls/51.8 sq. kms
20 sq mls/51.8 sq. kms
Oldest island in the Pacific
Southern Group
110 miles/177 kms
East South East of Rarotonga
110 miles/177 kms
East South East of Rarotonga
PROTECTED BEAUTY
Lake Tiriara in the south of the Island is an area teeming with plant and animal life. Now thanks to a not-for-profit environmental organisation, it has not only the protection it needs, but viewing platforms and a boardwalk around it.
Lake Tiriara in the south of the Island is an area teeming with plant and animal life. Now thanks to a not-for-profit environmental organisation, it has not only the protection it needs, but viewing platforms and a boardwalk around it.
The investment has been made by Seacology, whose sole purpose is preserving the highly endangered biodiversity of islands throughout the world. The Seacology website is fascinating and well worth a visit. And I am grateful for their permission to use the photographs showing the lake and one of the viewing platforms.
Oneroa is the main village on the island
The vivid red soil reveals the ancient volcanic origins of Mangaia. By contrast, the surrounding pine forest was planted about 20 years ago.
The Ara Moana Hotel Bungalows were opened in 1997 to provide accommodation for tourists. The complex nestles in a tranquil setting among the puka trees near the village of Ivirua. It's basic, but very clean.
Right: Sandy beaches are few...but the only footprints will be yours!
The airport terminal...what it lacks in facilities it more than makes up for with friendly, personal service
But you need to be Prime Minister to get carried from your plane! A VIP visit in 2002
At least you won't get stuck in traffic on the way to or from the airport..or anywhere for that matter
The photos in this group were taken by Jan Erik Johnsen from Oslo, Norway. He describes the island as "one of the most peaceful places on the planet". And he's a prolific photographer. He's created a gallery of more than a thousand picures from his worldwide travels. Click here to have a look, or here to go to his collection of pictures from the Cook Islands
POINTERS TO PARADISE:
MORE MANGAIA MANGAIA VIDEO RAROTONGA SITE MAP HOME SURPRISE ME!
OR FIND YOUR OWN PIECE OF PARADISE USING THE MENU AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE
MORE MANGAIA MANGAIA VIDEO RAROTONGA SITE MAP HOME SURPRISE ME!
OR FIND YOUR OWN PIECE OF PARADISE USING THE MENU AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE
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