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Mangaia Information
Highlights of Southern Group
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See all locations in Southern GroupMangaia Information
Mangaia is an island that encapsulates the essence of all of the Cook Islands into one spectacular destination. It is the second largest and the most southern of all of the Cook Islands and is located almost 200km from Rartatonga. At fifty two square kilometers it is the second largest of the countries islands.
Mangaia is renowned for its peaceful laid back lifestyle set amongst sparkling blue waters and lush rainforest. Visitors can walk for kilometers along beaches and inland paths and never see another person. This is paradise set amongst the most serene of environments making it perfect for those that wish to leave behind the bustle of the modern world.
Like several other islands in the Cook Island chain, the Mangaia atoll is formed from Limestone and coral that is layered together to create what is called Makatea. This impressive foundation is naturally higher along the shoreline where it is shaped into small cliffs and bluffs opening up onto the beaches and coral lagoons. This raised edge dramatically drops off into the centre of the island which is much flatter featuring lakes and rich volcanic plantations that are farmed for taro.
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The jagged limestone Makatea features many large caves some of which were used as burial sites in times past. Some of the remains of the locals can still be seen in caves including the spectacular Teruarere cave. This cave is also remarkable for its large collection of connected chambers that contain massive stalactites and stalagmites.
There are several popular tours that visitors can go on including cave exploration, cross island 4WD trips, deep sea fishing, coral walking and beach picnics.
Getting to Mangaia is easiest via a short 45 minute plane trip from Rotorua. Accommodation on the island is of a good standard but is definitely not commercialised to any great extent. Staying in Mangaia is a fabulous way to enjoy the best of the Cook Islands natural beauty, climate and appreciate the endearing hospitality of the locals.
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