Te Rua Rere Cave
Te Rua Rere
A large burial cave in the northern coral cliffs, with stalactites, crystal floors and ancestral bones; visits must be guided by a guide from the landowning family.
Te Rua Rere lies in the coral cliffs of the north of the island, beside the north ring road. Together with Tuatini Cave, it is considered one of the two finest caves on Mangaia. On entering, you first reach a hall filled with stalactites, stalagmites and glittering crystal patches. Further in, a narrow passage leads past the bones of ancestors buried here, making it a place to understand Mangaian burial traditions. The cave lies on private land, so visits must be booked through your accommodation or the island's administration office, with a guide from the owning family. The tour takes about 2 hours and costs about NZD 50 per person, including transfers. Climbing and crawling through low passages are involved, so it suits visitors in good physical condition. Wear non-slip shoes and bring a headlamp, and respect the bones by not touching them.
Opening hours
Guide reservation required
Nearby sights
- Ara'oa Beach
- Avarua Landing
- Rangimotia
- Oneroa CICC Church
- Tua'ati Rock Pools
- Toru a Puru Cave
- Lake Tiriara
- Tamarua CICC Church