Pitcairn Islands

Quick Facts

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Capital

Adamstown

Population

50

Government

Overseas territory of the UK

Religions

Christianity (7th Day Adventist)

Languages

English, Pitcairn-Norfolk

Calling Code

+64

Nationality

Pitcairnese

Local name

Pitkern Ilan

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Introduction

Pitcairn Island Sunflowers

© All Rights Reserved lindseytj

Halfway between New Zealand and the Americas, Pitcairn is one of the remotest inhabited islands on earth. The island is inhabited by several dozen descendants of the "Bounty" mutineers, who settled on the island in the late 1700s.

This small island has few exports apart from its postage stamps and miro-wood carvings. Visiting the island is not for the time pressed traveller and is best achieved by passing cruise ships or yacht. Extended visits will require written permission from the government and arrangements to stay with someone. Among the rather limited attractions on the islands are a rare bird life and historic artifacts from the mutiny.

Brief History

Geography

Islands

The Pitcairn Islands is made up of 4 islands.

• Pitcairn Island is the second largest island and home to the island's population.
• Henderson Island is the largest island, home to several endangered birds, and a UNESCO World Heritage Listed site.
• Oeno Island is a coral atoll used as a private holiday site by the population of Pitcairn Island.
• Ducie Island is another coral atoll located some 540 km east of Pitcairn Island. Due to its remote location, it is very rarely visited.

Towns

• Adamstown is the capital and only town.

Sights and Activities

Henderson Island

Henderson Island is Pitcairn's largest island and on the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its rare bird life. Visiting the island requires special permission from the Pitcairn Island Council.

The Pitcairn Island Museum

The Pitcairn Island museum houses a collection of artefacts, including some interesting items from the Bounty mutineers. It is located in the centre of Adamstown.

The Bounty Remains

The remains of the Bounty, which was burned in 1790 lie some 3 metres underwater in Bounty Bay. Divers are able to access the wreck.

• Acadia Island is an islet home to thousands of seabirds and the wreck of the Acadia, a British shipwreck from 1881.
• Thursday October Christian's House is the oldest remaining house on the island, built by Fletcher Christian's first son.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting There

By Plane

There are no options of getting to the Pitcairns Islands by plane.

By Boat

Also, your options of getting to Pitcairn by boat are very limited and mainly a matter of luck. You might try to get a place on a yacht from French Polynesia or a cargo ship on the route from Auckland to Panama. Some cruiseships occasionally visit Pitcairn but visits are brief. On the other hand, getting out of Pitcairn is even more difficult and you might get stuck a long time on the island before another ship comes by. Note that for staying on the island you have to have permission to spend the night at people's homes as there are no hotels or other regular places to stay whatsoever. Also note that in case of bad weather you might not be able to get on land at all!

Getting Around

By Longboat

Several longboats are used to travel between Bounty Bay and Henderson and Oeno islands.

By ATV

The main form of transportation around the island is by 3- or 4-wheeled All Terrain Vehicles. The island's 6 kms of dirt road turns to sticky mud when it rains.

Red Tape

Money

See also Money Matters

The official currency of the Pitcairn Islands is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). 1 dollar is divided into 100 cents. There are 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 coins. Bills are issued in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

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