raggles.kiwi

Te Manga Peak, Rarotonga

Te Manga Peak is the highest point on Rarotonga – it is a great half day climb featuring great views, steep climbing on dodgy ropes, and usually the company of local dogs.  This guide is based off a trip I did in 2011.

To get to the start of the track is not so obvious – on the north east side of the island turn on to Tupapa Road which is off the inside ring road (a km or two south from SuperBrown).

Turn off Tupapa Road near the arrow and head in the direction of the orange line

Take the first left off Tupapa Road after passing the graves under the coconut palms, it looks likes someone’s driveway but it’s part of the road.  After passing over the first culvert by the main road, you should cross another stream shortly afterwards that has a concrete crossing, keep heading on this road (now grass) towards the hills.  The road is gravelled 100m further on, which then gives way to mud and finally grass at which point you should come to the water intake; the track starts here.

The track is flat for the first 10 mins or so, before rising sharply upwards which continues for the duration.  Keep an eye out for yellow marker triangles, and ribbon markers (there are some good red ones).  There are plenty of ropes all the way up the track on the steep bits, but you only really need them at the top.  All the ropes are pretty well anchored and should be fine for all people capable of getting far enough to reach them.

The track starts to get narrow towards the last half of the climb.  Once you reach the knife edge ridges at the top you have to watch your footing, there are a few holes in the spongy undergrowth that are not obvious at first.  Be especially mindful of these coming down.  The first person will likely be walking through heaps of spider webs up top, there are a lot across the track.  There are also many paper wasp nests on or near the track, just walk quickly through the lot and she’ll be right.  The last 50m is very steep, but the tress and grasses make it easier.

Take care on the way back down; it’s not so obvious where the track goes as on the way up.  If local dogs accompany you on the way up then follow them down, they know the way!

Other notes:

• There is no water once you start climbing; take a few litres and some for the dog(s) if you’re feeling kind.
• Lots of spiders and wasps and other bity bugs.
• Took me about 4 hours return from the ring road.  Others have taken about 7 hours, so allow plenty of time.
• Only go after a few days of dry weather.  The track is very filthy/slippery after rain.