Population 393
7.1 sq. mls/18.4 sq. kms
7.1 sq. mls/18.4 sq. kms
According to legend, Chief Uke, who was descended from the Gods, arrived at Mauke after a long voyage from Avaiki - the fatherland in the sky. After a peaceful sleep he awoke and named it Akatokamanava - place where my heart rested. He gave his beautiful daughter in marriage to Chief Atiu-Mua and their descendents populated Mauke and Atiu for many generations. And it was those later generations who renamed the island Mauke ("Ma Uke" means Land of Uke). The original name is still used in songs and on formal occasions.
I love this island and can't recommend a visit too strongly.
Let me share my 'Personal Impressions' with you
Let me share my 'Personal Impressions' with you
The Strange Story of the Divided Church
The centre of the island is dominated by a large white church with two separate concrete paths and two entrance archways. One is for the village of Ngatiarua and the other for the neighbouring village of Areroa. The two villages got together and agreed on the design and the builder, but the trouble began after the walls were completed.
Neither could agree on the design of the interior, with the result that a wall was built across the middle of the church cutting it into two squares. Each village then completed its side to its own design. But the warfare went on. When one village worshipped, the other played loud games on the field outside.
Finally, a new pastor convinced the two villages that they should worship under one roof at the same time. The centre wall came down, but two distinct interior designs remained. One side was white, yellow and red, and the other, pink, yellow and white with white diagrams and circles.
Sadly, this was all painted over in pale blue and white, and work is underway to restore the church to its former colourful glory. Unchanged though is the pulpit - it's placed against the middle wall and the seating. Each village sits on its own side of the church and each takes turns in singing the Sunday hymns. The pulpit also has a clear line down the middle of its platform and the speaker is expected to have one foot on each side of the line! Find out more about the church and take a look inside it.
Neither could agree on the design of the interior, with the result that a wall was built across the middle of the church cutting it into two squares. Each village then completed its side to its own design. But the warfare went on. When one village worshipped, the other played loud games on the field outside.
Finally, a new pastor convinced the two villages that they should worship under one roof at the same time. The centre wall came down, but two distinct interior designs remained. One side was white, yellow and red, and the other, pink, yellow and white with white diagrams and circles.
Sadly, this was all painted over in pale blue and white, and work is underway to restore the church to its former colourful glory. Unchanged though is the pulpit - it's placed against the middle wall and the seating. Each village sits on its own side of the church and each takes turns in singing the Sunday hymns. The pulpit also has a clear line down the middle of its platform and the speaker is expected to have one foot on each side of the line! Find out more about the church and take a look inside it.
The arrivals and departures (black)board at the airport. Not just the flight details, but who's coming and going!
Access: 3 flights a week from Rarotonga
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Requires the free Google Earth program - Find out more
Requires the free Google Earth program - Find out more
Garden of the Islands
Southern Group
150 miles/241 kms
East North East of Rarotonga
150 miles/241 kms
East North East of Rarotonga
Tiare Cottages, in a beautiful garden setting just back from the Ocean, is the most popular place to stay. And I'm happy to recommend it!
Find out more
Find out more
Mauke is just 45 minutes flying time from Rarotonga, but it's a world away in lifestyle. And there always seem to be plenty of the island's youngsters around to greet the twice weekly flight.
Tourism is still in its infancy and accommodation is limited to rooms for just 40 visitors.
Tourism is still in its infancy and accommodation is limited to rooms for just 40 visitors.
A (very) small part of the world's largest banyan tree which is deep in the interior of the island
Very free range! Pigs, chickens and goats abound. Islanders lavish much care and attention on them
ACCOMMODATION
EXPLORE SOME MORE....
Through an islander's eyes
My personal impressions
Mauke's "secrets"
Accommodation
The Divided Church
Video Guide
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OR FIND YOUR OWN PIECE OF PARADISE USING THE MENU AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE
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