Pitcairn Islands Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, accommodations, and hidden gems of Pitcairn Islands with our comprehensive travel guide.


Pitcairn Islands is a breathtaking travel destination, located in Polynesia, in Oceania. This remote and sparsely populated archipelago is known for its rugged beauty, warm hospitality, and fascinating history.

Introduction to Pitcairn Islands

Pitcairn Islands is a British Overseas Territory comprised of four volcanic islands: Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno. The only inhabited island is Pitcairn, which has just 50 residents, mostly descendants of the 18th-century mutineers of the HMS Bounty.

The island is known for its natural beauty, unique flora and fauna, and cultural heritage. Visitors can expect to be spellbound by its stunning seascape, mossy cliffs, and verdant hillsides, as well as its vibrant local culture and welcoming community.

List of Places to Visit in Pitcairn Islands

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Pitcairn Islands Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the area’s rich history. The museum houses collections of artifacts detailing the life of the Bounty mutineers and their descendants, including furniture, pottery, clothing, and tools.

St. Paul’s Church is another significant historical site, built-in 1831 and is the oldest church in the Pacific region, and the only church on the Pitcairn Islands.

Natural Attractions of Pitcairn Islands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The island offers hiking trails with stunning vistas and unique plant and animal life that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

McDonald’s Reserve is a 13-acre protected land with some of Pitcairn’s most beautiful and diverse flora and fauna. You can also enjoy bird-watching, snorkeling, and sunbathing on the island’s secluded beaches.

The Gudgeon is a curious rock formation carved into the cliff face, and Devils’ Playground is a breathtaking collection of rocks and cliffs creating a natural amphitheater.

Hiking/Biking Routes in Pitcairn Islands

The Island is quite small but offers several excellent walking trails. The paths of highest interest are Christian’s Cave, Tom McCoy’s Walk, and, perhaps most notably, Ship’s Landing to Down Rope Walk.

Best Things to Do in Pitcairn Islands: Activities and Tours

Swimming, fishing, and snorkeling offer tropical underwater adventure. Diving is also a great way to explore Pitcairn’s unique aquatic wildlife like hammerhead sharks and dolphins.

The island’s local boatie can help organize charters to explore the stunning views and secluded beaches. There are also regular events held at the community hall, including traditional dance and local musical performances.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pitcairn Islands

  • Day 1: Arrival in Pitcairn Island, explore the village.
  • Day 2: Visit the Pitcairn Islands Museum.
  • Day 3: Hiking tour to the Gudgeon rock formation.
  • Day 4: Beach day at Tedside or Christian’s Cave.
  • Day 5: Visit to the Island’s unique flora and fauna reserve, McDonald’s Reserve.
  • Day 6: Snorkeling or diving excursion with a local boatie.
  • Day 7: Traditional Pitcairn dance or musical performance.

Food and Drink Scene of Pitcairn Islands

Must-Try Dishes

The Pitcairn Islands cuisine is a mix of Polynesian, British, and local food traditions. Must-try dishes include:

  • Muddie: A traditional Polynesian dish made from taro root and coconut cream.
  • Pilhi: A delicious pudding made from bananas, papayas, and coconut cream.
  • Kai Kai Bread: A local bread made from sweet potatoes and coconut milk.

Local Beverages

Kawa is a traditional drink made from the kawa root and served in a ceremonial wooden bowl called a Tanoa. Coconut juice is also readily available and is the ideal thirst quencher on the island.

Where to Stay in Pitcairn Islands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several local accommodation options on the island, such as Meralda Warren’s Homestay, Tetautua Lodge, and The White House. You can also stay in a guesthouse, hotel, or hostel, with options available on the nearby island of Tahiti.

What to Buy in Pitcairn Islands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The Pitcairn Island offers visitors a unique selection of locally made handicrafts, including pottery, woodcarvings, and woven crafts using coconut fibers, tapa, and pandanus. You can also purchase raw honey and rare stamps from the Pitcairn’s post office.

Local Culture and Customs of Pitcairn Islands

The Pitcairn Islands have a rich cultural heritage, with many customs still observed today. Visitors should show the utmost respect to the islands’ residents when visiting.

Best Time to Visit Pitcairn Islands

The best time to visit Pitcairn is from October to May is the best time to visit when the island is drier and has less rainfall. The island has a tropical climate, and every season is ideal for wildlife observation and beachcombing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pitcairn Islands

Do:

  • Respect the island’s customs and sensitivities.
  • Be prepared for the island’s isolated environment and bring all the necessary supplies with you.
  • Help preserve the fragile natural environment.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the island’s delicate ecosystem in any way.
  • Show disrespect to any of the locals or their customs and beliefs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Pitcairn Islands

Pitcairn is one of the safest places in the world. The island has no crime, and the locals are welcoming to visitors.

Health in Pitcairn Islands

The island’s health clinic is located near Christian’s Cave, which provides medical care and emergency services.

Getting to Pitcairn Islands: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Pitcairn Islands

The nearest airport is in Tahiti, with regular flights from Fiji, New Zealand, and Hawaii. From there, flights depart to reach Mangareva, from where a cargo vessel makes the journey to Pitcairn every three months.

Other Options

Another transportation option is the Braveheart, a New Zealand charter vessel that visits the island several times a year.

How to Get Around in Pitcairn Islands

The island has only one road, and visitors can easily walk or hike between the attractions. Visitors also hire a quad bike to explore the island on their own.

Where to Go Next from Pitcairn Islands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nearby destinations include other islands in French Polynesia, including the Society Islands and Tuamotus. A tropical escape to New Zealand and Australia is also an option, with exciting activities such as surfing, wine tasting, and nature walks.

Conclusion

Pitcairn Islands is a small paradise filled with natural wonders and cultural delights. This comprehensive guide has all the information you need to plan a memorable trip to this remote corner of the world.

Location of Pitcairn in the world Location of Pitcairn in the world Pitcairn Island Pitcairn Island Entrance to Fletcher Christian's Cave Entrance to Fletcher Christian's Cave Adamstown Church Adamstown Church Adamstown Adamstown Bounty Bay Bounty Bay Remote Henderson Island, UNESCO World Heritage site Remote Henderson Island, UNESCO World Heritage site Remote Ducie Atoll Remote Ducie Atoll