How far you’ll go to reach the Pacific’s most remote islands

The Pacific Ocean is home to some of the most remote and intriguing destinations in the world.

Among them, Tokelau, Penrhyn, and Pitcairn stand out for their isolation, unique cultures, and untouched natural beauty. So how would one get to these remote locations?

We take a look at each destination and explore how anyone could reach these isolated nations.

1. Tokelau

Tokelau is an independent territory of New Zealand located in the South Pacific Ocean, halfway between Hawai’i and New Zealand, a neighbour to Sāmoa.

It comprises three atolls – Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo – and has a population of approximately 1,647.

Tokelau, a Polynesian word meaning ‘north wind’, is one of the world’s most isolated territories.

Tokelauans share cultural links and linguistics with Tuvalu and Sāmoa. Faka-Tokelau, the Tokelauan way of life, is centred on family and community.

So how do you get there?

Tourists and visitors will need to prepare for an extended visit that could last for weeks.

Tokelau has no airport, so you must fly to Apia, the capital of Sāmoa, and then hop on a boat to Tokelau.

Flights from Auckland International Airport to Faleolo International Airport (APW) run throughout the week, with return flights ranging from $700 to $1500 with Air New Zealand or $500 to $1300 with Fiji Airways.

The flight duration is approximately three hours and 55 minutes.

The only way to get to Tokelau is via boat from Apia, Sāmoa. Pictured is the northern-most atoll of Atafu. Photo/Wikimedia Commons.

The next step is boarding a boat that has fortnightly sailings to all three atolls, which has a return fare of $306.

It takes approximately 24 hours to reach Fakaofo, those heading to Nukunonu can add another three and a half hours to get to Nukunonu, and a further six hours to the northernmost atoll of Atafu.

While food is provided, passengers must bring their own mattresses for sleeping and one bathroom is available for passengers.

The Pacific Tourism Organisation lists alternative travel options via private boat or helicopter, or a larger ship that sails monthly.

Overall, the duration of the round trip is five days, and could change due to weather conditions.

Accommodation is also sparse, but visitors can immerse themselves in Tokelau’s community by arranging to homestay with local families.

In 2012 Tokelau became the first country in the world to be fully powered by solar energy.

2. Penrhyn (Tongareva), Cook Islands

Well-known for its turquoise lagoons, pearl farms, and fine craftsmanship, Penrhyn is a slice of untouched paradise.

Also known as Tongareva, Mangarongaro, Hararanga, and Te Pitaka, Penrhyn is the northernmost island and largest atoll of the Cook Islands, located over 1300 kilometres from Rarotonga.

The island formerly held the reputation of being the most populated atoll in the Cooks until Peruvian blackbirding expeditions in the 1860s almost completely depopulated the island. The current population of Penrhyn is approximately 220 people.

Penrhyn has an airstrip on Moananui located on the western side of the lagoon which receives infrequent flights from Rarotonga, but there are no commercial flights.

Auckland to Rarotonga

Firstly, you must book your flight to Rarotonga. Popular airlines that fly from New Zealand to Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) include Air New Zealand and Jetstar Airways.

Air NZ has flights to Rarotonga throughout the week with standard return airfares ranging between $800 to $2,000.

Jetstar Airways runs flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays with return airfares $500 to $800.

The flight duration is approximately three hours and 50 minutes.

Rarotonga to Penrhyn

From Rarotonga, reaching Penrhyn involves a four-hour charter flight.

According to the Cook Islands Pocket Guide, Air Rarotonga offers options ranging from $4,500 to $11,000 including a private jet with seats for seven passengers, or a larger plane for 34 passengers.

The Cook Islands Tourism Corporation recommends Island Hopper Vacations for travel options to Penryhn.

Travelling by cargo ships and sailing

If travel by air isn’t your style, there are slower options for those who prefer the slower ocean pace.

Cargo ships depart for Penrhyn every two months but are often delayed, or yachtgoers can dock and get their passports stamped at the wharf, which is an official point of entry to the Cook Islands.

Penrhyn is known for its turquoise lagoons and pearl farms. Photo/Cook Islands Tourism.

Accommodation

Just like Tokelau, there are no established hotels or resorts on the island. The best options for visitors are local guesthouses or homestays.

It is recommended that visitors arrange their accommodation well in advance. You can contact the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation or local authorities for guidance and assistance in organising your visit to the atoll.

3. Pitcairn Islands

Last on our list of most remote destinations in the Pacific, is the Pitcairn Islands.

Made up of a group of four volcanic islands (Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno), the Pitcairn Islands is the only British Overseas Territory in the Pacific.

Pitcairn, the only inhabited island, is located halfway between New Zealand and South America, with its closest neighbour Tahiti 2,170 kilometres away.

Pitcairn is the only inhabited island of the Pitcairn Islands. Photo/Pitcairn Islands Immigration.

It has a population of approximately 35 people, according to the 2023 census.

Pitcairn is well-known for its settlement of the HMS Bounty mutineers in 1790, where British mutineers stopped at Tahiti and took 18 Polynesians, mostly women, to remote Pitcairn and settled there.

The native language of the island is Pitkern or Pitcairnese, a mixture of English and Tahitian.

How to get there

Just like Tokelau, there is no airport in Pitcairn. According to the Pitcairn Islands Study Centre, the closest way anyone can travel to Pitcairn by air is to Mangareva in the Gambier Islands group, located southeast of Tahiti.

Fly to Tahiti

To get to Mangareva, you must first book your flight to Tahiti’s Fa’a’ā International Airport (PPT).

Air New Zealand and Air Tahiti Nui operate regular flights from New Zealand to Tahiti.

Air NZ operate weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays with standard return airfares ranging between $900 to $2,400. Air Tahiti Nui offers return airfares from $771.

The duration of the flight from New Zealand to Tahiti is approximately five hours.

Travel to Mangareva

From Tahiti, you will need to book a flight to Mangareva in the Gambier Islands. Air Tahiti operates these routes with return airfares from $1,500. The flight duration is three hours and 45 minutes.

Transport to Pitcairn

From Mangareva, visitors to Pitcairn must board the MV Silver Supporter which operates a three-monthly schedule that begins from its home port in Tauranga, New Zealand, travelling to Pitcairn with both passengers and cargo.

The ship departs Mangareva port every Tuesday, arriving in Pitcairn on Thursday before it returns to Mangareva on Sunday.

MV Silver Supporter cargo/passenger ship. Photo/Pitcairn Islands Tourism.

At the end of the quarter, the ship returns to New Zealand to load new cargo before resuming its voyaging schedule.

It takes approximately 32 hours to travel from Mangareva to Pitcairn by ship.

According to Pitcairn Islands Tourism, it costs NZ $6,000 for a return trip from Mangareva to Pitcairn on the MV Silver Supporter. It is advised to book your trip in advance to avoid delays.

Accommodation

Pitcairn Islands Tourism says there are several accommodation providers with options from $200 to $350.

Getting to these remote islands in the Pacific requires patience, time, and preparation. Photo/File.

A worthwhile experience

If you are planning to visit any of these remote destinations, it is essential to reiterate the importance of planning ahead and giving yourself enough time for each destination to fully embrace and enjoy the experience.

While it may be long and costly, there is a sure chance that Tokelau, Penrhyn, and Pitcairn Islands can leave a lasting impression and a worthwhile experience.