Northern Atolls, May 2021 – Part 2

This section of the trip report is dedicated to our awesome tour leader Kora Petuela Kora from Manihiki. An avid pearl farmer, jeweler, automotive and marine engineer and ace of many other trades.

Kora Kora - locked up for being too nice at the Shark Bait Hotel, Pukapuka. It is in fact an old water tank the Policeman uses for the extremely rare instance of adults needed a 'time out' — Kora Kora – locked up for being too nice at the Shark Bait Hotel, Pukapuka. It is in fact an old water tank the Policeman uses for the extremely rare instance of adults needed a ‘time out’

The Northern Group Atolls of Pukapuka, Nassau, Manihiki, Rakahanga, Penrhyn (Tongareva) and Suwarrow are some of the most inaccessible places left on this Planet, pre- and especially post-Covid. This is the product of their distance from Rarotonga, lack of sealed Airstrips and deep harbours, the self sufficiency of their inhabitants and very low population numbers.

Very high grade pearl extracted on the Kaoa

Black Pearl Oyster - Taste bud explosion both in terms of flavour and texture — Black Pearl Oyster – Taste bud explosion both in terms of flavour and texture

Kora's family Kaoa as seen from Manihiki Lagoon Villas — Kora’s family Kaoa as seen from Manihiki Lagoon Villas

Boat tide from Tukao to Tauhunu - parents used to SAIL their kids to school and from school every day — Boat tide from Tukao to Tauhunu – parents used to SAIL their kids to school and from school every day