Palmerston

Palmerston Atoll is one of the most remote inhabited locations on Earth, situated in the northern group of the Cook Islands. The atoll's modern history began in 1863 when William Marsters, an English adventurer, settled on the then-uninhabited island with three Polynesian wives. Remarkably, nearly all of today's residents are direct descendants of Marsters, maintaining a unique community structure and a distinct 19th-century English dialect. The atoll consists of approximately 35 small islets (motus) forming a protective ring around a shallow, bustling lagoon with a circumference of about 11 kilometers. With no airstrip, Palmerston is accessible only by sea, relying on supply ships that visit every few months. The economy is based primarily on sustainable fishing, specifically the harvest of parrotfish for export to Rarotonga. Life on Palmerston is characterized by extreme self-sufficiency and a profound connection to family history in one of the Pacific's most pristine environments.

Nearby cities

Nikao

Nikao is a busy village located west of the capital, Avarua.

Avarua

Avarua is the capital of the Cook Islands, situated on the northern coast of Rarotonga.

Matavera

Matavera is a quiet village on the eastern coast of Rarotonga.

Ngatangiia

Ngatangiia is a historic village in the east of Rarotonga.

Palmerston Settlement

William Marsters settled Palmerston in 1863 with his three wives.

Arutanga

Arutanga is the main settlement and primary port of Aitutaki island.

Vaipae

Vaipae is a large village on the island of Aitutaki, often referred to as 'Hollywood'.

Arorangi

Arorangi is a significant village on the western coast of Rarotonga.

History & landmarks

Punanga Nui Market

The Punanga Nui Market in Avarua is the commercial heart of Rarotonga, where local farmers and artisans sell their goods.

Rarotonga

The most populous island of the Cook Islands is of volcanic origin and surrounded by a coral reef.

Nature

Palmerston Seabird Colony

Remote Palmerston Atoll hosts massive colonies of sooty terns and other seabirds.

Maungapu

Maungapu is the highest point on the otherwise low-lying Aitutaki atoll, reaching 124 meters in elevation.

Aitutaki Lagoon

This vast, shallow lagoon is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and numerous small sand islands.

Aitutaki Giant Clam Reserve

In the Aitutaki lagoon, endangered giant clams are farmed and protected.

Manuae

An uninhabited twin atoll that represents a significant marine protected area.

Manuae Marine Park

The uninhabited Manuae atoll is a critical sanctuary for sea turtles and sharks.

Te Rua Manga

Also known as 'The Needle', this prominent rock pinnacle is one of the most recognizable geological landmarks on Rarotonga.

Maungatea

Maungatea is a prominent peak on Rarotonga located west of the Cross-Island Track, dominating the Avatiu Valley.

More places

Arutanga CICC Church

The oldest Christian church in the Cook Islands is located on Aitutaki.

Arutanga Church

The Arutanga Church on Aitutaki was completed in 1828.

Aitutaki Airport

This airport, built during World War II, is the logistical lifeline for the tourism sector on Aitutaki.

Te Mana Uira Solar Farm

This solar power facility on Rarotonga reduces the Cook Islands' dependence on imported diesel for electricity generation.

Raemaru

Raemaru is a distinctive flat-topped mountain on Rarotonga, known for its plateau summit and steep rock faces.

Raemaru Forest Reserve

The forest on Mount Raemaru is home to many native ferns and flowering plants.

Tinomana Palace

Tinomana Palace in Arorangi was built for the paramount chief Tinomana Enuarurutini.

Avatiu Harbour

This deepwater port on Rarotonga is the primary commercial hub for importing goods and fuel into the Cook Islands.