Pitcairn Islands

Quick Facts

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Capital

Adamstown

Population

50

Government

Overseas territory of the UK

Religions

Christianity (7th Day Adventist)

Languages

English, Pitcairn-Norfolk

Calling Code

+64

Nationality

Pitcairnese

Local name

Pitkern Ilan

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Introduction

Pitcairn Island Sunflowers

© All Rights Reserved lindseytj

This small island has few exports apart from its postage stamps and miro-wood carvings. Visiting the island is not for the time pressed traveller and is best achieved by passing cruise ships or yacht. Extended visits will require written permission from the government and arrangements to stay with someone. Among the rather limited attractions on the islands are a rare bird life and historic artifacts from the mutiny.

Brief History

Geography

Islands

The Pitcairn Islands is made up of 4 islands.

• Pitcairn Island is the second largest island and home to the island's population.
• Henderson Island is the largest island, home to several endangered birds, and a UNESCO World Heritage Listed site.
• Oeno Island is a coral atoll used as a private holiday site by the population of Pitcairn Island.
• Ducie Island is another coral atoll located some 540 km east of Pitcairn Island. Due to its remote location, it is very rarely visited.

Towns

• Adamstown is the capital and only town.

Sights and Activities

Henderson Island

Henderson Island is Pitcairn's largest island and on the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its rare bird life. Visiting the island requires special permission from the Pitcairn Island Council.

The Pitcairn Island Museum

The Pitcairn Island museum houses a collection of artefacts, including some interesting items from the Bounty mutineers. It is located in the centre of Adamstown.

The Bounty Remains

The remains of the Bounty, which was burned in 1790 lie some 3 metres underwater in Bounty Bay. Divers are able to access the wreck.

Other sights and activities

• Acadia Island is an islet home to thousands of seabirds and the wreck of the Acadia, a British shipwreck from 1881.
• Thursday October Christian's House is the oldest remaining house on the island, built by Fletcher Christian's first son.
• The other islands you can theoretically visit, apart from Pitcairn and Henderson, are the islands and atolls of Ducie and Oeno.

Events and Festivals

Weather

The Pitcairn Islands have a moderate subtropical climate with rarely any real cold nights or hot days. Actually the lowest temperatures ever recorded was around 10 degrees Celcius, the highest 34. On average, August is the coldest month (19 degrees Celcius) while February is the warmest (24 degrees). The cooler slightly cooler months of June to September are also the driest. From November to March, there can be heavy downpours and as a result the 'roads' on Pitcairn become muddy slides. Occasionally, hurricanes can strike the islands in this period, but mostly they are not more than heavy tropical storms, rarely causing severe damage.

Getting There

By Plane

There are no options of getting to the Pitcairns Islands by plane.

By Boat

Also, your options of getting to Pitcairn by scheduled passenger boats are very limited and mainly a matter of luck. You might try to get a place on a yacht from French Polynesia or a cargo ship on the route from Auckland to Panama. Some cruiseships occasionally visit Pitcairn from Chile but visits are brief. On the other hand, getting out of Pitcairn is even more difficult and you might get stuck a long time on the island before another ship comes by. Note that for staying on the island you have to have permission to spend the night at people's homes as there are no hotels or other regular places to stay whatsoever. Also note that in case of bad weather you might not be able to get on land at all!

Probably your best bet to visit the Pitcairn Islands for a longer (but not too long!) period of time, is by joining one of the rare options of organised trips. Pacific Expeditions have several trips a year on their research vessel 'Bounty Bay'. You will sleep on board in bunk beds and it is not comfortable, but very adventurous. You will have the opportunity to visit all islands, or just a few if you like. There are also special diving and fishing themes at some of their trips.
They all leave from Mangareva, one of the Gambier Islands, a remote outpost of French Polynesia which has the airport closest to the Pitcairn Islands at about 500 kilometers. Flights to Mangareva from Papeete leave once or twice a week, depending on the season.

Ocean Voyages and Soren Larsen have occasional charter trips as well, but are more expensive sailing trips generally.

Getting Around

By (Long)boat

Several longboats are used to travel between Bounty Bay on Pitcairn Island and Henderson and Oeno islands.
Otherwise Pacific Expeditions is probably your best chance, as they offer 2 or 3 week trips to several or all of the Pitcairn Island chain, without having to wait to travel with the locals in their longboats.
Apart from Henderson and Oeno, you might even be able to visit remote Ducie island.

By ATV

The main form of transportation around the main island Pitcairn is by 3- or 4-wheeled All Terrain Vehicles. The island's 6 kms of dirt road turns to sticky mud when it rains.

By Foot

Of course, you might be able to walk around the main island Pitcairn and several of the other islands.

Red Tape

You need to apply for a permit to visit the Pitcairn Islands with the governor. You can mail to: admin@pitcairn.gov.pn.
Technically speaking, you will be a temporary resident and you need to be in a good health. Depending on your way of visiting Pitcairn (cargoships, cruiseship etc.) you have to stay on the island for weeks, if not months. Only when visiting on an organised trip, you don't have to arrange these things, but they are organised for you.

Money

See also Money Matters

The official currency of the Pitcairn Islands is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). 1 dollar is divided into 100 cents. There are 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 coins. Bills are issued in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

Work

Study

Language

Eat

There is one store at Pitcairn, usually open for several half days during the week. Otherwise, you will be highly likely to have full board at your local host's home.

Sleep

For now, there are no official place to stay, other than at the homes of the local people. Unless you are visiting on an organised trip, you have to apply for a visiting permit first and be sure to arrange places at the home of one of the locals. Ggroups may be housed at a government-owned cottage known as The Lodge.

Drink

Health

Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

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