The unknown Pitcairn Islands
Halfway between New Zealand and South America, there is a group of four small islands — Pitcairn, Henderson, Oeno, and Ducie. Their combined land area is 47 square kilometres. The only inhabited island is Pitcairn; its population was last counted at 50 people. Henderson is the biggest island, with area of 37.3 sq km (86 % of the whole). Ducie and Oeno islands are small flat atolls approachable only by flat boats. Learn more about these mysterious islands on their official site, https://www.government.pn/.
Getting to the Pitcairn Islands
This might be the most interesting yet challenging part of the journey! There is no airport, so your only option is to travel by water. First, you must take a plane from Tahiti to Mangareva, in the Gambier Islands, which is 850 kilometres away. The plane takes off twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Second, having come to Mangareva, take a taxi ferry to the village of Rikitea. Third, board either Claymore II (sails four times a year) or Silver Supporter (weekly cruises). Fourth, on arrival, you must pay the Pitcairn Island Office a landing fee of 35 US dollars. You don't need a visa if you stay for less than 14 days. Congratulations, now you can begin exploring the unknown Pitcairn Islands!
Some info about Silver Supporter
You will spend two days (32 hours) on the ship before you get to Pitcairn Island. The conditions are very good, and the ticket price covers all the meals, towels and linen, and transfers to and from your accommodation, so unless you suffer from sea sickness, you will likely enjoy your voyage. This chartered freighter accommodates 12 passengers in 6 twin cabins with private bathrooms. All the rooms on the ship are air-conditioned, and there is Wi-Fi. There is a shared dining area (meals are serviced buffet-style), a snack bar and two comfortable lounge areas with TVs and DVDs. Visitors may bring their own alcohol, but it's forbidden to smoke or vape both in shared areas and in cabins. It is possible to choose a 4, 11, or 18-day stay on the Pitcairn island (however, the latter option requires a visa). Booking a berth costs 6,000 NZ $ for both directions. The list of Pitcairn Specialist Agents is available on the website https://www.visitpitcairn.pn/booking-a-berth.
History
Henderson and Ducie Islands were discovered in 1606 by a Portuguese sailor, though there is no evidence that those were these islands. In 1767, a British ship sighted the island of Pitcairn, and the surname of the seer became the name of the island.
The first European settlement appeared in 1790 due to nine mutineers from the British ship called Bounty and several Tahitians whom they'd brought along. These men and women inhabited the island and set Bounty on fire. Now, the remnants of the ship lay in the Bounty Bay.
Officially, the Pitcairn Islands became a British colony in 1838. By that moment, the population had grown too big for a small island, so all the people were transported to Norfolk. In subsequent years, some returned home. 1937 saw the peak population of 233 people; since then, it has shrunk dramatically, leaving only 50 men still living on Pitcairn Island.
Climate
The islands are next to the Tropic of Capricorn, and the weather is warm all year round. Daily average temperatures vary from 24 to 18 ºC, with damper winter and drier summer.
Wildlife
The Pitcairn Islands are inhabited mainly by seabirds, with some species marked as endangered. Due to this, all four islands have been officially identified as Important Bird Areas, and in 2018, Henderson was even designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In 2015, the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve was established. This reserve has one of the largest territories worldwide, 834,334 square kilometres (324,000 sq miles). So, you may expect that the waters surrounding the Pitcairn Islands are truly pristine and wildlife is rich.
Politically, the Pitcairn Islands are considered a British overseas territory, with the Governor acting as a representative of the King of the United Kingdom. As such, they are a non-self-governing territory.
Landmarks
Henderson Island, 160 km from Pitcairn Island, is celebrated for its rare wildlife and untouched nature. Bathing is unlikely because the land is surrounded by coral reefs lying just below the water surface. Due to this, walking here requires some sturdy shoes. Moreover, you need permission from the Pitcairn Island Council to visit Henderson.
Ducie and Oeno may also be visited, although it implies more difficulties. To pass the riff, you require a rubber boat (dinghy) for both of them. The most popular activities available at these atolls include birdwatching, snorkelling, and scuba diving.
Oeno is more popular because of its location (128 km from Pitcairn Island) and fantastic sandy beaches. It used to be a holiday site for Pitcairn dwellers, who came there for a week or two to have a beach vacation.
Ducie Island lies much farther away, 475 km from Pitcairn Island. Another drawback of this island is that it cannot be accessed without waiting for high tide. Its islet of Acadia is worth visiting because of plenty of seabirds and the remains of the same-named ship, which wrecked in 1881.
The rest of the places of interest are on Pitcairn Island.
As the only town on the islands, Adamstown may be considered their major landmark. The list of institutions there includes a regular market, a square, a post office, a treasury, a store, and a medical centre. Note that these are open only three days a week for an hour and may sometimes be open by request.
The Pitcairn Island Museum, in the centre of Adamstown, has a collection of artefacts left of the Bounty and several items used by mutineers and precedent Polynesian settlers.
The Bounty remains mentioned earlier can be seen three metres underwater in Bounty Bay. Two cannons remain from the ship: the smaller one in the town square and the larger one about a hundred metres east of there. The Bounty's anchor is displayed in the Public Hall.
The Seventh Day Adventist Church is situated near the square, and the Bounty Bible can be seen there. Also note that the islanders, being Adventists, attend masses and take rest on Saturday, so all the public institutions may be closed.
The capital got its name from John Adams, the last survivor of the Bounty's mutineers. His grave is on a hill a little east of the square.
The best swimming spot on Pitcairn Island is St. Paul's Pool, a tidal pool among the seaside rocks. While swimming in the ocean may be dangerous due to the rugged shoreline, this pool may be the solution, given the calm waters.
Fletcher Cristian's cave, named after the lead mutineer, is past the town's only school. He is said to have hidden from other settlers and looked out for ships there.
If you love animals, you should visit Mrs Turpin (or Miss T), a Galapagos tortoise who has lived on Pitcairn Island since the beginning of the 20th century. It can be found on the northwest shore, in the place called Tedside. If it wanders somewhere else, you may ask the islanders for its location.
Flatland is a small, flat area next to Adamstown. Here, you can play tennis or volleyball or have a picnic at one of the present facilities.
Garnet's Ridge is one of the highest peaks on the island, so it offers the best views to the east and west.
On the southwest side of the island, there is a sea-level cave called Gudgeon. From there, you can access a nice sandy beach.
In the southeast, take time to visit Down Rope, a cliff with Polynesian petroglyphs and a secluded sandy beach at its base.
Where to stay
There are no hotels on the Pitcairn Islands. Instead, the island offers various homestays (from 70$ per night), semi-private chalets, and private bungalows with self-catering. Hosts can also arrange activities like guided walking, vehicle tours, fishing, or diving trips. Accommodation must be arranged before your arrival; contact Pitcairn Island's Tourism Coordinator via tourism@pitcairn.pn or visit Pitcairn's official site visitpitcairn.pn/where-to-stay to view all available stays.
Where to eat
In most cases, hosts provide meals cooked with local products, including seafood and fruit. If you rent a private bungalow or just fancy eating out, here is the list of eateries. Note that they are open only on some days.
Bounty Delectable offers takeaway meals, including burgers; it is open on Wednesdays.
Browns Bakery, set on the main square, is open every second Thursday from 5 pm.
Fletcher Cafe serves snacks, lunches, and coffee, but a dinner may be arranged on request.
Betty's Bakery is another spot suitable for snacks.
Nowadays, every place must have a pizzeria, and there is one here, too: Andy's Pizzeria (inform about opening hours by the owner).
Christian's Cafe (after the owners' surname) is open every Friday from 6:30 pm and has a bar.
You can also visit Whale's Tooth Tavern, where it's possible to have a drink of the actual whale's tooth! Officially, the tavern is only open on Saturdays but might be open whenever its owners are at home. All the drinks cost 5$ per glass. The only other place that sells alcoholic beverages is the government store.
Things to know before a visit
Bringing children under 16 to the Pitcairn Islands is currently restricted. To apply, contact the Deputy Governor's Office at kevin.lynch2@fco.gov.uk.
The islands' official currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). However, US dollars and Euros are also accepted.
Like every small island, Pitcairn Island doesn't have many health institutions, so make sure to have a complete check-up before a visit. Mind that the island's clinic is only fit for some examinations, and the island itself is out of range for evacuation helicopters. Due to this, it is strongly advised to get medical and travel insurance before the visit, and people with serious diseases are not recommended to go to remote islands.
Mind the steep and rugged landscape of the Pitcairn Islands, and take some comfortable hiking shoes. It is also advised to use mosquito repellent.
In 2018, the Pitcairn Islands were granted the status of an International Dark Sky Sanctuary (IDSS). This is the only island group with this status and one of 15 such places worldwide. This area of 43,25 sq km is known as Mata ki te Rangi (translated as Yeyes to the Sky). Astrotourism enthusiasts are welcome to visit the Pitcairn Islands to see the infinite universe.
Get ready to sail to the edge of the world and explore the unknown in the Pitcairn Islands!