What To See & Do On Pitcairn
Pitcairn is a laid back travel destination with a variety of activities and sights. When you visit, you’re free to do as much or as little as you like.
Walk the Eco Trail to Sailors Hide and Christian's Cave
The Eco trail provides an accessible, easy wander through Pitcairn's flora featuring native and endemic species. This gentle wander through huge overhanging rock formations, where it is said the mutineers made a fiery brew from the root of the 'ti' plan,t also offers a walk back in time, to sites like 'Sailors Hide', before the climb to Christian's Cave.
Stargaze In Our International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Mata ki te Rangi - Eyes To the Sky
The Pitcairn Islands have exceptionally stunning dark skies, free from all light pollution. In late 2018 the Government of Pitcairn Islands made application to the International Dark Sky Association (IDSA) for the 4 islands in the Pitcairn Islands group to be granted the status of an International Dark Sky Sanctuary (IDSS). More>>
Explore Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve
Home to one of the worlds Largest, no-take Marine reserve, covering 840,000 square kilometres. Since early 2011 the Pew Environment Group’s Global Ocean Legacy project has been working with the Pitcairn islanders on the idea of establishing a large scale marine reserve within their waters. More>>
Whale Watching
Whales are often seen frolicking around Pitcairn and can be observed from both land and on the water. It is thought that the Pitcairn Island waters are now be being utilised as calving and breeding waters. A number of small calves have been both sighted and photographed.
Quad Bike Tours
Quad Bikes are the primary means of transportation on Pitcairn and locals are skilled riders in all types of weather and road conditions. A guided Quad Bike tour is a fun way to see the island and most accommodation providers offer this service. A full island guided tour costs as little as US $50.00 per person.
Visit the Pitcairn Museum
The Pitcairn Island Museum was built in 2004, just a very short walk from the public square in Adamstown. Accompanied by a local curator you'll discover Pitcairn artifacts from as far back as the ancient Polynesians who, it is said, produced stone tools for trading throughout the pacific region. You will see the Bounty Cannon, raised from Bounty Bay in 1997, naval artifacts and lots of authentic memorabilia from the days of Pitcairn's early settlement. When you visit Pitcairn we'll arrange a special opening time - just for you.
Shop Authentic Pitcairn Crafts & Curios
You'll have ample opportunity to browse Pitcairn's local Curio and Crafts when you visit. You'll find that almost all local residents produce their own unique Pitcairn products. And, there is lots to choose from; traditional and contemporary wood carvings, hand painted leaves, models of the HMAV Bounty and the Island's Longboats, First Day Stamp Covers, hand-made soaps, traditional and contemporary woven baskets, hand-made jewelry, tapa cloth, books, Honey & Honey products and all kinds of keepsakes - there really is something for everyone including 'traveller staples' like Pitcairn Island T-Shirts and Caps. You can even shop these items online at the PitkernArtisanGallery.pn
HAND MADE HMAV BOUNTY MODEL FROM MIRO AND BURAU WOODS via PitkernArtisanGallery.pn
Self Guided Walks
If walking is your thing - you'll love exploring Pitcairn. The Island is well signposted and you'll be given your own walking map on arrival.
Play a Game of Tennis
Many visitors to Pitcairn are surprised to learn that Tennis has been a favorite local sport for many years.
The Tennis Court at Aute Vally was built in 1988 and has recently been re-surfaced (May 2013) thanks to donations and volunteer workers. Rackets and balls available.
Swim in St. Pauls Pool
St. Paul's Pool is one of Pitcairn Island's most stunning natural attractions, featuring a sea carved tidal pool of crystal clear waters and abundant marine life - absolutely ideal for swimming and snorkeling when weather and sea conditions allow.
Go Fishing
Pitcairn's pristine waters ensure that our fish are plentiful and delicious. You can book a fishing trip with a local business or you may have the opportunity to participate in a traditional community fishing trip, where all who want to fish take to the sea in one of Pitcairn's famous Longboats. Such sharing of resources is typical of Pitcairn culture and is likely to result in you sharing your catch and a delicious fish fry at the Landing with everyone.
Visit John Adams Grave
Just a short walk from the Town Square, visit the Grave of Mutineer John Adams, his Wife and daughter.
Hand Feed Ms. T, the Islands only Galapagos Tortoise
Whilst out walking to Tedside, you may come across Ms. T. The Islands only Galagos Tortoise. She is always happy to see people and will walk right up to you waiting to hand feed her some fruit, her favourite is Banana’s!
Hike to Down Rope (With a Local Guide only)
Hike to Down Rope, at the base of a 700 foot Cliff is Pitcairn’s only Sandy Beach and the ancient Polynesian Petroglyphs carved into the cliffs base. Visitors can only go Down Rope with a Local Guide.
Due to the Dangerous track to Down Rope, you can only visit this location with a local guide.
Shop Around At The Pamai Centre
Built in 2020, with funds from the European Union, the Pamai Centre in Adamstown is the central place of business for Pitcairn Islanders. It houses the Pitcairn Island Post Office, the Government Treasury Office and the Pitcairn Island General Store.
The General Store
Established as a co-operative society in 1967, the General Store has provided for the household needs of the community ever since. Today it is situated within the Pamai Centre, on the main road in Adamstown, the General Store stocks an excellent variety of frozen meat, vegetables, groceries, toiletries, clothing and footwear, kitchenware and stationery as well as timber, plumbing, electrical, white ware, gardening supplies, auto parts and general hardware. The items are purchased in New Zealand and sent to the island on the supply ship four times a year and locals also sell their own fresh produce and baked goods from the store too.
The Pitcairn Island Post Office
The Pitcairn Island Post Office generally opens on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings and before and after the arrival the quarterly supply ship which freights the island’s international mail. Until 1926, letters from Pitcairn franked ‘Posted on Pitcairn Island: no stamps available’ were delivered free of charge in New Zealand and elsewhere. For the next 14 years New Zealand stamps and rates were used, and on October 15, 1940, the first Pitcairn Island postage stamps, consisting of eight denominations, were issued. In 1941 a small post office was built in the Square of Adamstown and the amount of mail increased significantly. Today, mail to and from the island is still sent via New Zealand and can take many weeks before reaches its international destinations.
The Government Treasury Office
Pitcairn’s official currency is the NZ dollar and all government related transactions and banking matters are processed via the Government Treasury office (GT Office). Locals and Visitors can access cash on credit cards and exchange foreign currencies here too. The GT Office opens 3 days a week on Sunday, Thursday and Tuesday.
