Experience Highlights
- Duration: 3 hours
Visit Ana Kai Tangata cave to see the many cave paintings created by the use of mineral pigments found on the island, mainly depicting the Manutara bird. The arrival of this bird in spring would initiate the Tangata Manu competition. Next continue to Ranu Kau which was the second of the three main volcanoes to erupt approximately 2.5 million years ago. The volcano stands at a height of 310m and has a huge crater of 1.6km in diameter as well as a fresh water lagoon 11m deep.
Next to the volcano is the ancient ceremonial city of Orongo, famous for its vast concentration of petroglyphs. Many paintings depict the Tangata manu birdman.
Kristen Lanskail-Morris
Travel Specialist