The Pacific’s oldest island & fortress of stone
Stepping onto Mangaia is like stepping back in time—18 million years back in time. Located a brief 40-minute flight south of Rarotonga, Mangaia (Auau Enua) is the oldest island in the Pacific and the southernmost of the Cook Islands. It is a dramatic, ancient landscape of extraordinary geological power, layered with a rich, proud human history.
What to expect on Mangaia
The Great Wall of Makatea: Mangaia is ringed by towering, razor-sharp fossilised coral cliffs (makatea) that rise up to 60 metres high. This natural limestone fortress conceals a lush, bowl-shaped volcanic interior of ancient taro swamps and freshwater streams.
Fascinating Underground Caves: The island’s limestone wall is riddled with vast, intricate cave systems like Teruarere and Turuanganeo, filled with subterranean stalactites, freshwater pools, and ancient burial chambers steeped in tribal legend.
Exquisite Pipi Shell Craftsmanship: Mangaia is famous across the South Pacific for its rare, tiny yellow pipi shells harvested along the reef and hand-strung into prized, intricate ei (necklaces).
Deep Cultural Roots & Fertile Taro Terraces: Life here beats to a traditional rhythm. Families have farmed the fertile inner valleys of Keia, Ivirua, and Tamarua for generations, cultivating some of the finest traditional taro in the region.
Untouched Solitude & Panoramic Lookouts: Far off the beaten tourist track, Mangaia offers an intensely authentic, peaceful escape where you can explore dramatic ocean lookouts, quiet inland paths, and a way of life that remains entirely its own.
The three main districts
Mangaia’s community lives across three main coastal villages: Oneroa (the main harbour hub), Ivirua, and Tamarua. Linked by scenic roads cutting through limestone passes, the island offers an unbeatable journey into ancient Pacific history.
Where to stay & local services
Babe's Place & Guesthouse: Oneroa | T: +682 34050 | E: babesplace.mangaia@gmail.com
Turuanganeo & Teruarere Cave Tours: Bookings via Mangaia Island Administration / Accommodation
(c) Cook Islands Tourism - Daniel Fisher
(c) Cook Islands Tourism - Daniel Fisher
(c) Cook Islands Tourism - Daniel Fisher
