Pitcairn Islands - Isole Pitcairn

The Pitcairn Islands are an archipelago of the Polynesia lost in the immensity of the South Pacific Ocean far from both mainland and any other inhabited island. The Pitcairn constitute the last colonial strip of UK in the Pacific. They were one of the last communities to receive the (ISO) (PN) code.

To know

Geographical notes

Each island of the group has its uniqueness due to a different geological origin.

• Pitcairn it is above all a volcanic island with steep coasts and with a peak of 337 meters, resembling a boulder thrown into the sea from any point of view. Such is its conformation that it is difficult to find a beach there at least in the specific sense of the term - cliffs and cliffs abound - sheltered bays and gulfs are also difficult to find. Bounty Bay deserves this name with some gambling. In fact, it is only a small indentation of the coast with water so shallow as to allow the landing only to small boats with a flat bottom. It is the only island of the group with sources of fresh water.
• Henderson the largest island is a flat coral formation just above sea level. Here, too, some volcanic activity is reported. Along its coasts there are caves that perhaps served as burial places for an ancient people of which everything is unknown. It could host an airfield, were it not for the risk that protected avian species would be subjected to when they find an ideal landing spot there.
• Oeno it is a small, flat island surrounded by a coral reef. It is a classic "postcard" island with palm groves, beautiful beaches and a well-sheltered lagoon. Oeno is accompanied by a smaller islet called Sandy Island.
• Ducie it is the furthest of all, about 200 miles from Pitcairn and 100 miles from Henderson. It is only a circular coral island where rare species of exotic birds stop today at risk of extinction.

When to go

The climate is tropical humid (the Tropic of Capricorn line passes a little further north), with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16 ° C (60 ° F) recorded in winter nights to a maximum of 30 ° C (85 ° F) register on summer days. Rainfall is moderately distributed throughout the year, slightly more accentuated in winter. The island is subject to some typhoons in the period from November to March.

Background

Pitcairn was inhabited or at least visited frequently by Polynesian peoples in past centuries as evidenced by carvings in the rocks. Later, several Portuguese and English explorers landed there (the name is due to one of the latter). Nevertheless it remained deserted until 1790, when the mutineers of H.M.A.V. Bounty with their Tahitian mistresses under the command of Christian Fletcher. The first concern of the mutineers was to set fire to the ship whose wreck is visible today on the bottom of the homonymous bay. At first it was a community of lawless drunkards but was domesticated by John Adams the last of the surviving mutineers who converted women and children to the rules of Christianity. After 24 years the island was rediscovered by the English who allowed the community to stay there. Pitcairn was the first Pacific island to become a British colony (1838) and still today is the last vestige of the empire in the southern Pacific. Norfolk and especially towards the New Zeland together with the passing of laws aimed at limiting immigration, they had the effect of reducing the population from a maximum of 233 people in 1937 to less than 50 souls. In 2004 the island was shaken by reports of continuous sexual abuse against the female population (including pre-adolescent girls). The ensuing investigation revealed the merits of the allegations and led to the arrest of six people. Today, more than ever, the population of Pitcairn, already on the verge of self-sufficiency, is threatened with extinction.

Spoken languages

L'English, official language is spoken by all the inhabitants. Between them, however, the locals speak in "Pitkern", a mixture of English eighteenth century and Tahitian with a hint of marine jargon thrown away every now and then.

An example: "all hands" means all (English: everyone).

Territories and tourist destinations

• Pitcairn Island - The only inhabited island of the group.
• Henderson Island - The largest of the group included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list with many species of birds at risk of extinction.
• Oeno Island / Sandy Island - Two islets chosen as a holiday resort by the locals.
• Ducie Island - More distant from the others with a luxuriant fauna of exotic birds.

Urban centers

How to get

Isolation, remoteness, lack of infrastructure and harshness of the landscape are factors that contribute to making Pitcairn one of the most remote tourist destinations in the world and therefore more difficult to visit. To these obstacles must be added the red tape.

Entry requirements

Visitors wishing to stay in Pitcairn for any length of time require a permit from the Governor. This is because the irregularity of transport means that those who intend to visit the island are forced to stop for a period that can vary from a few weeks to a few months so that visitors are considered residents in all respects. To obtain the permit it is necessary to provide proof that you are in good health, that you have sufficient means to leave Pitcairn at the end of your stay which will obviously coincide with the arrival of the first passing ship. In practice, you need to have $ 300 with you for each week of your stay plus a $ 100 entrance fee. There are also other conditions to be met. The permit is valid for one semester.

By plane

To learn more, see: Airports in French Polynesia.

There is no airstrip on the island which is also beyond the reach of normal helicopters. The closest airport is on the island of He ate in Gambier islands, 330 miles away. The greater flat area of ​​Pitcairn would offer a very short track while flat Henderson Island would lend itself to the purpose but is a bird sanctuary. UNESCO.

On boat

Pitcairn Island is only accessible to tourists who board cruise ships or private ocean-going yachts. The most practical option is to sail from any port of the French Polynesia. From any other point (for example New Zeland or Chile) it will be necessary to grind miles after miles.

• Pacific Expeditions, LITTLE. Box 3063, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 682-23513. [1], suggests some trips from Mangareva, one of the Gambier Islands in Pitcairn.
• Ocean Voyages, 1709 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA, 1 415-332-4681 (intl), 1-800-299-4444 (USA). [2] book charters in the area.

Pitcairn Island is located about halfway from New Zealand to the Channel Panama, along a route well traveled by various commercial ships, which is why traveling on a freighter is possible several times a year. To obtain this type of pass you will need to contact the administrative offices of the Pitcairn Islands in New Zeland (64-9-366-0186); Fares range from US $ 800-1000 for one way.

It should be borne in mind that there is no safe harbor for the mooring of medium-sized vessels; visitors access the island via small boats that depart from Bounty Bay to meet with ships anchored offshore.

How to get around

By car

In October 2005, a paved road was inaugurated linking Bounty Bay with downtown Adamstown located on Difficulty Hill. Outside this short stretch there are only rough paths that can be traveled mostly on foot or by motorcycles. However, bicycles can be hired.

What see

• The remains of the Bounty they are obviously in "Bounty Bay". The ship was deliberately set on fire by the mutineers. From the time it lies on the bottom it has been "cleaned" several times by divers but it is still thrilling to see what little is left of the vessel that belonged to "Captain Bligh".
• The anchor ' of the Bounty stands out in Adamstown Square where all the major buildings are located: the administrative offices, the library, the post office, and the 7th day Adventist church.
• The new museum of Adamstown contains objects of the Bounty including Fletcher Christian's bible and various prints as well as some numbers of National Geographic dedicated to the islands. It is thought to exhibit one of the ship's guns in the building.
• The Pitcairn school is located a little further west of the village center.
• There tomb of John Adams, the last survivor of the mutineers who did his utmost to convert the community to Christianity. He was also the only one among the mutineers to have a proper burial.
• The cave of Fletcher Christianpast the school building is the place where the leader of the mutineers withdrew to scrutinize the possible emergence of European ships and / or stay a little in peace, away from the very heavy style of the mutiny community.
• Mrs Turpin is the name of a Galapagos tortoise brought here in the early 20th century that now lives in Tedside on the northwest coast.
• Taro Ground in the South of Pitcairn it is a flat area where an amateur radio has been installed which acts as a link to the rest of the world.
• Flatland it is a small plateau above Adamstown, with tennis and volleyball courts, as well as a picnic area.
• Garnet's Ridge, at 300m it is one of the highest areas of the small island, offering a splendid panorama from west to east Highest Point as the word says, it is the highest point of the island, with its 337 m. of altitude.
• Down Rope, a cliff at the southeast end enclosing a sandy beach. Ancient Polynesian stone carvings have been found in this place.
• Gudgeon is a sea cave in the southwestern part of the island that hides a sandy beach in a vast space where the waves break.

Itineraries

If you are on your boat, the closest suns are those of French Polynesia, towards WNW: the blocks Gambier Islands are 330 miles away, the Acteon group of Tuamotu Islands at 450 miles, e Tahiti and the others Society Islands to 1,300. L'Easter island it is about the same distance, in the opposite direction.

Passing freighters usually go to the New Zeland or Panama.

What to do

• If the ocean waters are calm enough you can go swimming St. Paul, a natural rock pool in the eastern part of Pitcairn. Swimming in the ocean is generally unsafe due to the many sharp reefs that are often submerged.

Excursions to nearby islands are possible with small private boats made available by the inhabitants of Pitcairn:

• Oeno it has sandy beaches suitable for bathing.
• Henderson offers rare bird watching opportunities as well as exploring ancient caves (settlements?). Like Oeno, Handerson also lends itself to diving, both in apnea and with cylinders, between coral reefs and some wrecks.
• Ducie it would be interesting for the rare species of birds it welcomes but it is 300 miles away, unfortunately out of reach from the islanders' boats and therefore rarely visited.
• On January 23 of each year, the "Bounty Day" with a large lunch attended by all the inhabitants. At the end of the banquet, a model of the Bounty.

Currency and purchases

The national currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD) Here are the links to know the current exchange rate with the main world currencies:

(EN) With Google Finance:	AUDCADCHFEURGBPHKDJPYUSD
With Yahoo! Finance:	AUDCADCHFEURGBPHKDJPYUSD
(EN) With XE.com:	AUDCADCHFEURGBPHKDJPYUSD
(EN) With OANDA.com:	AUDCADCHFEURGBPHKDJPYUSD

The domestic economy is mainly based on barter, as the residents produce much of their own food and exchange commodities from passing ships and fishery products in a community way. If money is used, the standard currency is the New Zealand dollar. Other currencies that are easy to change are the British pound, the US and Australian dollars.

Local products are reduced to excellent honey and a few handicrafts such as woven baskets, models of the Bounty and engravings or paintings in miro wood from Henderson Island and mostly inspired by the local fauna. THE postage stamps (which can also be sent abroad) have a certain philatelic interest. Everything else is imported, and costs proportionally.

At the table

There is a small cooperative emporium with groceries imported from New Zealand or French Polynesia. It only opens for one hour three days a week. Many products need to be ordered well in advance. Local cuisine is essentially based on local fish which is then fried. Tuna abounds.

• Pilhi is the name of a local specialty made of pureed bananas and sweet potatoes enriched with milk and sugar. Everything is then baked in the oven to give it consistency.

Drinks

Alcohol was banned until 1991, but a personal tourist license can now be obtained for NZ $ 25. Don't think about buying alcohol locally; Bring your own bottles or hope for some passing ship.

Tourist infrastructure

If you are staying on the island for a visit of more than one day, you must contact the mayor of Pitcairn to find a place to sleep. [3] Single travelers and couples are usually housed in residents' homes; the groups are housed in a building called "The Lodge". The accommodation must be defined before receiving the disembarkation permit.

Events and parties

Safety

In light of recent sexual abuse scandals, women traveling alone should at least reflect before embarking on a trip to the Pitcairn.

Health situation

Some doctors are sent by the New Zealand government for a short period of time, but health matters are usually in the hands of a nurse who is currently the wife of the Adventist pastor. In Pitcairn there is a small medical center equipped with dental and other X-ray machines. For major problems it will be necessary to wait days or weeks before the first ship passes by which will transfer the patient to one of the islands of French Polynesia.

Respect the customs

Don't bring bees or hives. The island's apiary population has been certified disease-free, and Pitcairn honey is becoming an important economic resource.

How to keep in touch

Post office

The postal service is infrequent, often months pass before delivery. The post office is open 3 days a week, one hour at a time.

Telephony

There is a satellite telephone service, with a public place (with secretariat): 872 762337766. Until a few years ago, radio amateurs were the only means of direct communication between the island and the outside world; many residents are OMs, in regular weekly contact.

Internet

Thanks to a seismological station installed in Pitcairn, the island is connected to internet via satellite at 128 kbit / s, with free WiFi access throughout Adamstown.

Keep informed

Electricity (240V) is available only a few hours in the morning, and more hours in the evening.

While there is no radio and TV broadcast in the region, many homes are equipped with video and DVD players.

Other projects

• Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Pitcairn Islands
• Commons contains images or other files on Pitcairn Islands
• Wikinews contains current news on Pitcairn Islands