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| Mangaia Island lies 177 kilometers southeast of Rarotonga and is the southernmost of the Cook Islands. The island has a raised coral reef forming a 60 meter high ring around the island. There are no sandy beaches due to the makatea and swimming in the lagoon is limited due to the closeness of the reef, however, there are several rock pools which provide good swimming at high tide. The attraction of Mangaia is its natural scenery, dramatic caves and interesting hiking treks.
The island is also the home of the indigenous Mangaian Kingfisher bird. Fishing is a popular activity with the locals and visitors are oftentimes invited to join the daily fishing excursions.
Oneroa is the main village on Mangaia and has several shops, a general store, post office, and sports field. The village has two levels with many homes, the school and the Mangaia Lodge located on the top of the makatea cliff while most businesses are located at sea level. There is a road that connects the two levels and also there are steps that are carved into the makatea for those who are fit enough for the steep climb. Watching the school children in the afternoon making their way from the top of the cliff to the village centre makes for a marvelous photographic opportunity.
The makatea contains numerous limestone caves with stalactites and stalagmites and ancient burial sites. A guided tour is available to
Te Rua Rere Cave which has large caverns of brilliant crystals. Old skeletons add a skin crawling touch of reality to this burial ground. Another cave worth visiting is the Touri Cave which contains two streams; one freshwater and the other salt water. The more popular cave tours are listed under Activities Mangaia. There are also several hiking treks which you can take ranging from 1 hour to several hours traversing through the forests, taro patches, makatea, and bushlands. One popular trek from the village of Tuatini to Lake Titiara is a lovely 2 hour trek with lush vegetation.
Mangaian women make gaily colored hat bands, necklaces, and other decorative items from pupu shells, a small land snail, which emerges from the makatea after the rain. Mangaia is represented in museum collections around the world by large ceremonial adzes. Before you leave Mangaia be sure to hike up to the flat summit of Rangimotia, the highest point on the island where you get a panoramic view.
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