An outpost in the South Pacific, Pitcairn Island is the only inhabited land mass of the world’s most remote group of islands. Alongside Pitcairn, the group comprises Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno islands, all of which are British Overseas Territories. They can be found 2,170 kilometres southeast of Tahiti.
Pitcairn Island (Population 50)
The inhabitants here are the direct descendants of the mutineers of the British ship the HMS Bounty, and their Polynesian consorts, who settled on these shores in 1790.
Entirely secluded from mainstream tourism, these legendary islands are a draw for adventurous travellers, who can reach their rugged shores from New Zealand through Pitcairn’s main supply ship – the MV Silver Supporter. The journey to reach here is an adventure in itself, promising an epic sea voyage.
A volcanic outcrop, Pitcairn’s extraordinary biodiversity encompasses pristine subtropical landscapes that host a vibrant plethora of endemic flora and fauna, including a thriving array of marine life. Indeed, Pictairn occupies a central position within one of the world’s largest marine reserves – a swathe of open ocean larger than the entire US state of Texas. As an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, the stars above are equally impressive.
At just 3.2 kilometres long and one mile wide, the island’s capital of Adamstown can be found above Bounty Bay, reached by the one road appropriately known as ‘the Hill of Difficulty’. Although a small industry, tourism has now resumed on the island in the wake of COVID-19, after a two-year closure to protect its vulnerable population.
