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Mangaia is the second largest and oldest island in the Cook Islands, with a volcanic plateau, fossilised coral cliffs and ancient artefacts. Learn about its history, culture and attractions, and book a 3-night close encounter package to explore its natural beauty and serenity.
- Discovering Mangaia | Cook Islands
Mangaia With a volcanic plateau framed by a ring of high...
- Top 10 things to do in Mangaia | Cook Islands
1. Visit the Beaches! (Araoa is my favourite) Unlike the...
- Discovering Mangaia | Cook Islands
Mangaia (traditionally known as A'ua'u Enua, which means terraced) is the most southerly of the Cook Islands and the second largest, after Rarotonga. It is a roughly circular island, with an area of 51.8 square kilometres (20.0 sq mi), 203 kilometres (126 mi) from Rarotonga.
- 51.8 km² (20.0 sq mi)
- Cook Islands
- 499 (2016)
- Central-Southern Pacific Ocean
What are the must-dos? Here are some of the Mangaia highlights: See the glittering caves of Tuatini or Te Rua Rere. Climb down the cliff ladder to the hidden paradise of Ara’oa Beach. Hike up to Mt Rangimotia, the highest point on the island. Check out the Saragossa Shipwreck. Snorkel or reef walk at the Tuaati Rock Pools.
- Explore Tuatini, Te Rua Rere or Toru a Poru Caves. Mangaia is home to some of the largest and most impressive caves in the Cook Islands, adorned with limestone stalactites, stalagmites and, most noteworthy of all, crystalline floors that sparkle like glitter in the torchlight.
- Take an Island Tour. It’s worth mentioning island tours of Mangaia early in this list of the best things to do on Mangaia, as they take you to many of the sights that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to get to, such as caves and ancient marae (Maori gathering places), as well as some of the sights mentioned on this list.
- Discover Breathtaking Ara’oa Beach. Mangaia hides many tranquil stretches of sand, most of which slope into the reef and are backed with dramatic makatea.
- Paddle or Snorkel at the Tua’ati Rock Pools. Visit this stunning little corner of Mangaia at low tide and discover all sorts of marine life clinging onto the jagged rocks!
Mangaia. An ancient coral atoll characterised by rings of fossilised coral known as “makatea”, Mangaia is the oldest island in the Cook Islands and one of the oldest in the South Pacific. Yet, it is still a true hidden gem, rarely visited, yet, those who do have a choice of homestay-style hospitality or tranquil reef side villas.
