Your Pitcairn Island Travel Questions Answered.
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You must fly from Papeete, Tahiti (PPT) to Mangareva (GMR) via Air Tahiti. This flight typically operates once a week on Tuesdays. The airport is located on a small coral islet called Totegegie.
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A public ferry runs from the airport to the main village of Rikitea. The crossing takes about 45 minutes and costs 1,000 XPF (approx. $10 USD) per person each way. Please have the exact amount in cash ready, as there are no ATMs at the airport.
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A public ferry runs from the airport to the main village of Rikitea. The crossing takes about 45 minutes and costs 1,000 XPF (approx. $10 USD) per person each way. Please have the exact amount in cash ready, as there are no ATMs at the airport.
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Pitcairn Island is two hours ahead of Tahiti.
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The Silver Supporter is a 51-metre working cargo vessel, not a traditional cruise liner. It features six air-conditioned twin-share cabins with private ensuites, desks, and small lounge areas. It is clean and tidy and the crew members are friendly and helpful
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Meals are served buffet-style in a shared dining room. The ship is "dry" (it does not sell alcohol), but it is BYO. You are welcome to bring wine or beer from Tahiti or Mangareva, and the crew will keep your drinks chilled for you.
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The vessel is equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi. For power, the ship uses Type C/E (European-style) plug pins. The ship supplies adapters but it’s best to bring your own.
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The South Pacific can be rough. We highly recommend starting seasickness medication at least four hours before boarding. Please note that smoking is strictly prohibited in cabins and only allowed in designated outdoor area.
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Because there is no deep-water harbour, the ship loiters about a mile off-shore. You will descend a Jacob’s Ladder (a swinging rope ladder) down the side of the ship into a waiting Pitcairn Longboat. Our local crew members are very experienced in assisting with this transfer.
If you have mobility issues, let the crew know in advance; you can be transferred into the longboat by stretcher.
We can provide tailored transportation and tours on the island for guests who are less able.
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The 3-Night / 4-Day Stay: This is the most common option, occurring during a single ship rotation. It is enough time for guided tours, visiting the museum. Christian’s Cave, John Adams’ grave and swimming at the landing or at St Paul’s Pool.
11-Day Extended Stay: You can choose to return on the ship’s next rotation. This is ideal for hikers and birdwatchers and those wanting to relax into the peaceful atmosphere of Pitcairn. . As this stay is under 14 days, you do not need a Long-term Visitor Visa; a short-term permit is issued on arrival.
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The official currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). While there are no ATMs, you can obtain NZD cash advances against your credit card at the Island Treasury Office.
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Island life follows a specific rhythm. The Pitcairn General Store, the Government Treasury Office and the Post Office follow a specific schedule and are open for limited hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
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The cost for the Pitcairn Island Museum entry is included in your Pitcairn landing fee. It opens as required. Whilst you are on Pitcairn the Museum curator will let your hosts know when it will open.
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Pitcairn uses NZ-style (Type I) three-pin plugs and a 240V / 50Hz system. Our accommodation at Big Flower is powered by solar energy.
All water is collected from rainfall and is a precious resource; please be mindful of your consumption in the summer months
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We provide high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi at your accommodation. Standard mobile roaming does not work, but there are free hotspots at the landing and outside the General Store.
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A resident Doctor and Nurse staff the Pitcairn Health Centre. It is open to visitors from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Consultations for visitors cost NZD $100.00.
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The government requires all visitors to have insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation (medevac) coverage.
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Yes, there are mosquitoes on Pitcairn, particularly in Adamstown. We recommend bringing repellent and wearing long sleeves at dawn and dusk if you’re in the village. Guests at Big Flower or Little Flower generally encounter fewer mosquitoes due to the altitude and good water management practices.
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Fire is a significant risk. Smoking is prohibited inside all buildings. It is permitted outside only at Big Flower and Little Flower, provided all smokes are fully extinguished and disposed of in the bins provided.
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To protect our local bees, honey and all bee products (including beeswax candles or lip balms) are strictly prohibited. No fresh produce or seeds may be brought ashore.
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If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to contact us at bigflowerpitcairn@gmail.com