 |
Cook Islands
|
|
 |
Mangaia
The most southerly of the Cook Islands, and also the second largest.
Mangaia Accommodation
Mangaia Map
|
Roughly circular in shape, it rises 15,600 feet (4750 m) above the ocean floor. The remnants of the original volcanic cone in the centre, which is the island's highest point, is Rangimotia at 550 feet (169 m). Like many of the southern islands in the Cooks, it is surrounded by a 200-foot (60 m) high ring of cliffs of fossilised coral. A fortress-like makatea of raised coral encircles the island. Along the makatea a series of huge limestone caves, once used as burial tombs, yield artifacts that tell archaeologist of ancient life and customs on what has been carbon dated as one of the oldest island in the Pacific. Inland, low lying swamps product a high quality taro-a Polynesian staple root crop. From the swamps the land rises through rolling hills to the plateau at Rangimotia in the centre almost equidistant around the periphery of the island.
Islands and do...
Mangaia's interesting geographical formation has given rise to many interesting caves, the most spectacular being Teruarere. It is known for its arts and crafts, including a unique adze, and its interesting caves. Mangaia is a rich source of sophisticated legends and myths of origin and has attracted the interest of anthropologists from around the world.
Mangaia is a recent name given by a visiting Aitutakian some two years before Captain Cook arrived on March 29 1777. Cook did not receive a friendly reception. Before then the island was called A'Ua'U which means akatautika or 'levelled'.
Oneroa hosts the Post Office, Government officer and major traders.
Getting There
There are scheduled Air Rarotonga flights to Mangaia from Rarotonga.
|
|
