Ara Moana Bungalows is located in the most unique tropical island, believed to be the oldest in the Pacific is the southernmost of the Cook Islands only 40 flight from Rarotonga. The main feature of the 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 containing old skeletons add a skin crawling touch of reality to this burial ground. There are numerous guided and unguided tours through this geological wonderland. You can enjoy your visit with the 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.All rooms have private shower/toilet, ceiling fan and screened windows. There is a bar and restaurant on site with a qualified chef. Mangaia is for the traveller who wants experience pristine nature. The island’s main feature is an ancient coral reef, called Makatea, which rose up 60 metres from the ocean a couple of million years ago. A good way to see this is on foot. There are a number of hiking trails that cross over this remarkable partly forested landscape, which is also riddled with caves.