The 'Needle' is a unique feature in the centre of the island (Raro) and can be passed in the cross island walk. We decided to set out with our guide book to do just that not realising how challenging the walk (climb) would be. The walk is through jungle and vine covered steep rocky tracks that sometimes weren't visible apart from the orienteering markers on trees here or there. It was hot and sticky and with our fitness questionable after Alex's mild heart attack earlier in the year the expedition was probably reckless in hind sight.
The relief and great sense of achievement is evident in our sweaty red faced post climb faces. The kids of course loved it!
The chain of Pacific islands were formed as the Pacific Plate moved so the islands have volcanic origins rising up from the sea bed. Explosive volcanism on Rarotonga millennia ago threw out phonolite breccia, the most famous pinnacle formed this way is the 'Needle'. If you are interested in Geocaching there is one here too.
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| The Needle - Te Rua Manga |
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| The deceptive easy start of the cross island walk |
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| The ascent was really difficult! this is how steep it was. |
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| Amazing views |
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| Sweat drenched but alive! |
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| Relief - we did it! |
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| Jungle babies |
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