Pukapuka

We will be traveling to Raro in Oct of 2011. I am hoping to get the latest info on flying to Pukapuka. We will have our 2 kids with us, ages 7 & 9. I'm sure it will be expensive to get there, but who do we contact for a place to stay? I don't believe there is lodging there. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. It's one of those once in a lifetime trips. We will be sure to pack many supplies for the locals.

If you can get up to Pukapuka, that will be a thoroughly rewarding experience for your family, with friends made there to last a lifetime across both generations. Pukapuka people are extremely hospitable, very gracious people and highly welcoming. I don't know if there are any establised visitor facilities on that island. However, government personnel/consultants are accommodated on their visits - most likely in a homestay arrangement. I suggest you visit the Tourism Authority in Avarua to enquire what they know. It may be that you'd need to meet with key figureheads from that community living on Rarotonga to make accommodation arrangements. Air Raro might also be of some assistance with advice and guidance. Kia Manuia.

My wife and I have been to all five outer islands of the southern group multiple times. We're planning on visiting Manahiki or Pukapuka in the future.

What made you pick Pukapuka?

Thank you Turou. I will definitely look into the Tourism Authority. H2ooh, My husband and I have been to Aitutaki and Mangaia, and loved them so much. Especially how different every island is. We decided we need to visit other islands, and Pukapuka quickly moved to the top of the list. I like a challenge. There is a book I found, that really sealed the deal. It is "The book of Puka-puka: A Lone Trader On a South Seas Atoll" by Robert Dean Frisbie. The author was from Cleveland, OH (where I grew up). He traveled to the South Pacific in the 1920's and wrote so beautifully about the islands and the people he encountered. He found his beautiful bride on Pukapuka, and raised his children there as he worked as a travel writer, sending his work to the US to be published. Now I have to go!

The surface transport option will sure help with the transportation costs. How long will you have to spend on the island? I wouldn't hesitate to commit to 4-6 weeks on Mauke or Mangaia, but to head out the first time to an unscouted island destination for a month or more?... that's an adventure!

There is mention in either this week's (or last week) online Cook Islands News of a new shipping charter service for the Northern Group. The Picton Castle has just recently headed up north on a charter run, and I think it may be someone from this vessel along with two Cook Islanders who are commencing the new service. Might be worthwhile looking into. Certainly the cost to fly that far is fairly expensive. Also I think the sailing option replicates that sense of adventure that earlier traders and travellers experienced.

There are some used books of Puka-puka, which sells for $85 on amazon... Crazy!

I'm really interested in the island, but I have never traveled in the pacific. I found this island accidentally while looking for remote locations on google. Pukapuka looks just amazing! Though, it seems it takes a lot of planning, money and luck just to get there. Is there anyone that could share their experiences travelling/ living there?

Hi there,

My great grandfather is Robert Dean Frisbie, his son my Grandfather still lives on Puka Puka island and has told me many times that if i go to stay for at least a few months. Most people on Puka Puka know our family Frisbies. If you do get to meet my grandfather ask him about accommodation there, i am sure he will be able to offer good advise. I am his oldest grandchild, so tell him i said hi if you get the chance to meet him. My grandads sister Johnnie Frisbie works in museum or library on Rarotonga, she would be a great person to chat to about Robert Dean Frisbie. Good luck and have a good trip.

Hi there, I have just read your post about Pukapuka and I am very keen to visit this beautiful atoll that I have read so much about. Did you manage to go? If so, how did you get there and what did you think of the island? Is there any good advice that you can offer?

Thank you.