Penrhyn Atoll

Traditionally known as Tongareva, Penrhyn Atoll is the northernmost atoll of the Cook Islands. Surprisingly easy to reach, you can get to Penrhyn by either air or sea. One of the main reasons to visit this atoll is because of the beautiful mother-of-pearl you can buy out here. Known throughout the South Pacific, you can purchase some wonderful pearl jewelry in Penrhyn as well as top quality rito hats.

With a total land area of 9.8 sq km, the Penrhyn Atoll is home to a population of some 600 people. The two main villages here are Omoka, which is located to the west of the atoll and Te Tautua which sits in the east. However, because the lagoon here is quite large, Omoka and Te Tautua lie some 14 km apart from one another. In the village of Omoka you can find the island council, the hospital and the Telecom Office, while there is a health office on Te Tautua for the people who live there.

Initially discovered by Polynesian settlers from Samoa as they were sailing to Tahiti, this atoll was named after the British ship Lady Penrhyn, which stopped here in 1788. According to initial reports of this atoll, the natives were very fierce and this kept many explorers from venturing here. In 1853 the US ship Chatham ran aground on the reef near Penrhyn and it was only after the crew and passengers were treated with great kindness by the locals, that the myth of the fierce tribal natives of the Penrhyn Atoll was dispersed. The only Cook Island with no high chief or ariki, Penrhyn was used as an American airbase during World War II.

Today, there are a couple of guesthouses to stay at on the Penrhyn Atoll. Both located in the village of Omoka, the accommodations here are comfortable with your room rates including all meals.

To get to Penrhyn Atoll, Air Rarotonga flies here once a week, with the flight usually stopping in Aitutaki and Manihiki as well. A four hour long journey by plane, it costs roughly NZ$ 1400 to get here. You can also get to Penrhyn by boat, however be prepared for a lengthy journey. The Penrhyn Atoll is also an official port of entry to the Cook Islands.