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Nikumaroro Settlement Ruins
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Nikumaroro, formerly known as Gardner Island, is a remote coral atoll in the Phoenix Islands that holds a unique place in maritime and aviation history. Between 1938 and 1963, the island was the site of the most ambitious attempt under the British Phoenix Islands Settlement Scheme, which aimed to establish a permanent population on the isolated atoll. Settlers cleared land for coconut plantations and built a village, but the lack of reliable freshwater sources eventually led to the abandonment of the settlement. Today, the ruins of these structures, including the remains of the colonial administrator's house and the village school, are slowly being reclaimed by the tropical scrub. The island gained international fame due to the theory that legendary aviator Amelia Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan may have landed on the atoll's flat reef in 1937. Numerous expeditions have explored the ruins and the surrounding waters searching for evidence of their disappearance, turning the uninhabited atoll into a site of enduring mystery.
- Location: Kiribati
- Top sights: Nikumaroro · Ritiati · SS Norwich City
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 147 | 209 | 138 | 113 | 95 | 78 | 74 | 75 | 51 | 53 | 63 | 118 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The settlement ruins on Nikumaroro are accessible but only via expedition. Visitors can view the remains of 1930s buildings.
Typical hours
As the ruins are unattended, there are no opening hours. A visit is only worthwhile during daylight as there is no lighting.
Photography
Photography is expressly allowed and encouraged to document the historic site. The decaying structures provide striking subjects.
Time needed
Viewing the ruins typically takes one to two hours. The small settlement can be explored on foot in a short time.
Combine with
Combine the visit with exploring the entire Nikumaroro atoll. Surrounding Phoenix islands can also be visited on the same expedition.
Getting there
The ruins are only reachable by boat as part of an expedition. A short walk from the anchorage leads to the remains.
Insider tip
Read up on the Amelia Earhart search history to better understand the site. Bring a flashlight if you want to peek into building remains.
Geography
Facts
- Founded: 1890s
- Purpose: copra production
- Inhabitants: Gilbertese laborers
- Abandoned: after WWII
- Ruins: houses, cemetery, church
- Notoriety: possible crash site of Amelia Earhart (1937)
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Nikumaroro Settlement Ruins (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the Nikumaroro settlement ruins?
Remains of a failed British colonization project (1938-1963) where Gilbertese people tried to settle the waterless island.
Is Nikumaroro connected to Amelia Earhart?
Yes, many researchers believe she crash-landed here. Artifacts have been found that might point to her presence.
Is the island inhabited today?
No, it is completely uninhabited. Occasionally, scientific expeditions or sailors visit the island.
What can still be seen of the old settlement?
You can find house foundations, old water tanks, and remains of the administrative building, all heavily overgrown by vegetation.
Is it allowed to visit the island?
Visits require a permit from the Kiribati government and are logistically complex due to the extreme remoteness.
Nikumaroro Settlement Ruins: where is it located?
Nikumaroro Settlement Ruins is located in Kiribati.
Nikumaroro Settlement Ruins: what is there to see?
Highlights include Nikumaroro, Ritiati, SS Norwich City.
Nikumaroro Settlement Ruins: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Nikumaroro Settlement Ruins: why is it worth visiting?
Nikumaroro, formerly known as Gardner Island, is a remote coral atoll in the Phoenix Islands that holds a unique place in maritime and aviation history.
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