Mangaia
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Get in
By plane - Air Rarotonga flies from Rarotonga to Mangaia 3-4 Times a week. It's a short 40 minutes flight with an Embrear Bandairante. There is a baggage limit of 16kg per passenger.
For the adventurous, the cheaper option is to go by boat. The "freighter" (let's call it a nutshell) Maungaroa II goes irregularly to Mangaia. Ask at the office of the inter-island shipping company in Avarua harbour in Rarotonga. Depending on the winds it takes anything between overnight and 2 days. Be prepared to be delayed several days, don't count on a fixed departure and arrival, because it leaves when they're finished loading, the winds are good, the captain is sober and the number of octopuses in the harbour plus the number of coconuts in muri equals the stars seen at 11pm at night, no matter what they tell you when it is supposed to leave.
For the adventurous, the cheaper option is to go by boat. The "freighter" (let's call it a nutshell) Maungaroa II goes irregularly to Mangaia. Ask at the office of the inter-island shipping company in Avarua harbour in Rarotonga. Depending on the winds it takes anything between overnight and 2 days. Be prepared to be delayed several days, don't count on a fixed departure and arrival, because it leaves when they're finished loading, the winds are good, the captain is sober and the number of octopuses in the harbour plus the number of coconuts in muri equals the stars seen at 11pm at night, no matter what they tell you when it is supposed to leave.
Get around
- By foot you'll see the most, but you need time.
- By motorbike ($20-25/day) at the petrol station in Oneroa. Tel 34307.
Do
There is not much to do on Mangaia, except walking around, having a coconut, talk to the friendly locals and go fishing.
Fishing inside or outside the reef is very rewarding, and there is no ciguatera here unlike in Rarotonga. Spearfishing outside the reef is possible as well.
There are some very nice secluded beaches, but the reef is to shallow for swimming. With a little common sense it is, however safe to swim and snorkel outside the reef when the sea is calm.
Mangaia is also good for walking.
Buy
You can get basic products at Babe's shop in Oneroa. They also have fresh bread daily (except Sundays).
Eat
Accommodations usually provide food.
Self catering is also a good option if you fish. Bring as much non-local stuff like butter, eggs, meat, spices,... as you need. These things are expensive on Mangaia.
Drink
- Water should be boiled before you drink it.
- There are plenty of coconuts.
- Have a beer with the locals on Friday or Saturday at Babe's bar.
Sleep
-
Babe's Place
phone: +682 34078All meals included -
Mangaia Lodge
phone: +682 34324Breakfast including other meals optional at extra cost or DIY cooking. Across the road is a cliff top lookout where you can have lunch, read a book, relax or just view that beautiful sunset.
Connect
There is no internet on Mangaia, but there is mobile phone reception.
Cope
- Water should be boiled before you drink it.
- Stealing. Cook Islanders are raised to share almost everything naturally. Things may be borrowed (even without telling the owner) and will be returned upon request, provided you know whom to ask. It is not considered stealing in their culture. So it's best to watch out for your stuff.