Rakahanga, part of the Cook Islands in the central-southern Pacific Ocean,is one of the most unspoiled places on earth. The atoll is 1,248 kilometres from the Cook Islands capital, Rarotonga] and lies 1111 kilometres from the equator. Its nearest neighbour is Manihiki which is just 44 kilometres away.

There are two main islands and seven motus or islets in the Rakahanga lagoon. On the east these are: Akaro, Motu Ngangle, Huananul, Motu Mahuta and Motu Okakara; while on the southwest side the islet of Te Kainga guards the widest passage in to the lagoon.

The island is just over 4 square kilometres in size and is so low lying that it is in serious danger from rising seas caused by global warming.

History

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It's believed that Magellan discovered the island in 1521, but this cannot be substantiated by historians who have researched the Island's history. One of the last great Spanish voyages of exploration, under the command of Pedro Fernandez de Quiros, came upon the Island on 2nd March, 1606. He noted in a record of the voyage: "The land is divided among many owners, and is planted with certain roots, which must form their bread. All the rest is a large and thick palm grove which is the chief sustenance of the natives. Some 500 inhabitants were seen assembled on the beach". A Franscican friar on the voyage was so stuck with admiration that he called it the island of beautiful people (gente hermosa}. De Quiros described the inhabitants as "the most beautiful white and elegant people that were met during the voyage".

Commander A.C. Clarke of HMS Espiegle declared Rakahanga a British protectorate on 9th August, 1889. It was included in New Zealand's boundaries in 1901.

Lifestyle

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Huge coconut crabs are abundant in the lagoon, and fishing is good on the outer reef. Large sea turtles abound there too. Each January, a tuna fishing contest takes place and boats return with 200 or more fish a day.

Vegetation is extensive, large breadfruit trees line village paths and coconut palms and pandanus trees thrive. Women weave fine rito hats, mats and baskets from the pandanus leaf fibres.

Access to the island is very difficult, other than by boat from Manihiki and the very occasional inter-island boat.

//www.cookislands.org.uk/rakahanga.html Pictures and information about Rakahanga

Cook Islands | Islands of the Cook Islands | Pacific Ocean atolls

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