Poike Peninsula
Poike
The oldest volcano at the island's eastern tip, with sea cliffs and the legendary 'Poike Ditch.' It can only be entered on foot with a guide.
Poike is the oldest of the island's three volcanoes, formed about 3 million years ago. It lies at the eastern end of the island and forms a high plateau peninsula surrounded by steep sea cliffs. According to oral tradition, the 'Long-ears' dug a 'Poike Ditch' along the edge of the peninsula to defend against the 'Short-ears.' The peninsula also has caves such as Ana o Keke (Maiden's Cave) and rare moai heads. Access is inconvenient and the area is a protected reserve, so visitors generally must join a guided full-day or half-day hike. A common alternative is to view its outline from Tongariki.
Opening hours
Entry by guided tour only (per park rules)
Nearby sights
- Ahu Tongariki
- Rano Raraku
- Papa Vaka Petroglyphs
- Te Pito Kura (Navel of the World)
- Ovahe Beach
- Anakena Beach
- Ahu Akahanga
- Ahu Vaihu (Hanga Te'e)