|
 Contact Information
Ara Moana Bungalows
Address - Matiekura, MGS, Mangaia Island
General Information
This most unique tropical island, believed to be the oldest in the Pacific is the southernmost of the Cook Islands with Antarctica as its only neighbour to the south. The main feature of island is its ancient coral reef, called Makatea, that has risen up to 60 metres above sea level forming a high ring around the island.
The Makatea contains numerous limestone caves, some literally kilometres long, all with stalactites and stalagmites and some are ancient burial sites. Some have large caverns of brilliant crystals, while others contain old skeletons add a skin crawling touch of reality to this burial ground. There are numerous guided and unguided tours through this geological wonderland.
Visit Polynesia where the people still live off what the land and the sea provides and where you see very few tourists. The culture of song and dance is alive and well in the absence of commercialism.
Mangaian women make gaily coloured hat bands, necklaces, and other decorative items from pupu shells, a small land snail, which emerges from the Makatea after the rain. Mangaia is represented in museum collections around the world by large ceremonial adzes.
Ara Moana is a small, 8 bungalow family run property set on the cliffs of the raised Makatea (upraised coral limestone) looking out to the east of the island. Your hosts Tu & Jan Kristensson and family offer you friendly personal service
A short walk from the property reveals great vistas of the Pacific Ocean with the surf breaking against the coral reef some 15 metres below. From this vantage point, you can see schools of parrot fish come over the reef to feed.
There are two types of Bungalows
Spacious Bungalows: $NZ115 per night Single (US$80)
Standard Bungalows: $NZ60 per night Single (US$42)
Add NZ$20 (US$14) for double occupancy
There is an on-site restaurant serving mostly Polynesian style meals adapted for European taste buds.
Meal costs
Full Board (3 meals): NZ$45 per adult
Half board(2 meals): NZ$35 per adult
Children under 12 pay half of adult meal cost
|