Pitcairn Island access soars with new shipping schedule through to April 2025

MV Silver Supporter

Pitcairn Islands Tourism has today announced the most significant increase ever in passenger services to Pitcairn Island with an extension of the shipping schedule to April 2025.

From April 2024, Pitcairn's supply ship, MV Silver Supporter, will operate 29 return passenger services between Mangareva, French Polynesia and Pitcairn Island through to April 2025. Representing an increase of more than 25% over the previous year.

Voyages are timed to directly connect with the weekly Tuesday, Air Tahiti, flight from French Polynesia’s gateway island Tahiti and Mangareva.

Pitcairn Islands Tourism Travel Coordinator, Heather Menzies, says “Even though we are one of the most remote tourism destinations on earth, we have experienced unprecedented growth in demand since reopening our border to visitors in March 2022. This improved access will ensure more visitors are able to experience legendary Pitcairn Island.”

Embarking on an epic sea voyage, surrounded by one of the world’s largest marine reserves whilst enveloped by the “Mata ki te Rangi - Eyes To The Sky” International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Pitcairn offers insight to a fascinating living history which creates one of the most distinctive travel experiences available for intrepid international travellers.

For more information on 2024-25 shipping schedules to Pitcairn Island please visit https://www.visitpitcairn.pn/shipping-schedule

About the Pitcairn Islands

The Pitcairn Islands are a group of four islands in the southern Pacific Ocean that comprise the last remaining British Overseas Territory in the Pacific. Only Pitcairn Island, the second largest, is inhabited. Located halfway between New Zealand and Peru, with a lush and fertile climate, Pitcairn has a colourful history. In 1789 Fletcher Christian led a mutiny on the English vessel, HMAV Bounty and, several months later, together with 8 fellow mutineers and 19 Polynesians, sailed the ship to Pitcairn Island, one of the most remote and isolated islands in the world. By 1808, when the tiny colony was rediscovered, all but one of the mutineers and all the Polynesian men had died. The surviving mutineer, John Adams, eleven Polynesian women and twenty-five children remained. Today, the majority of the 50 or so inhabitants of Pitcairn are direct descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Polynesian consorts.

For more information visit: www.visitpitcairn.pn

* Pitcairn Islands Tourism AU NZ Rep, pitcairn@tropicsmarketing.com.au

Pitcairn Island's Regular Passenger Service Resumes after two-year hiatus

Pitcairn’s supply ship MV Silver Supporter.

Credit: Andrew Randall

Following Pitcairn's border reopening in March 2022, and remaining COVID-19 free, the remote island group is pleased to announce its regular passenger shipping link with French Polynesia will resume from July 5th 2022.

Pitcairn's supply ship, MV Silver Supporter, will recommence regular passenger services from Mangareva, French Polynesia. The 32-hour voyage from Mangareva to Pitcairn is scheduled to operate 11 round-trips through to February 2023 and voyages are timed to directly connect with the weekly, Tuesday flight from French Polynesia’s gateway island of Tahiti.

Pitcairn Islands Tourism Travel Coordinator, Heather Menzies, says “All current community residents are fully vaccinated and we’re very much looking forward to safely welcoming visitors back to our shores. While we were able to successfully reopen our borders and launch a passenger sailing from New Zealand to Pitcairn earlier this year, we have been eager to re-establish our regular passenger service from Mangareva. We have received a significant number of enquiries about its resumption so we are excited to once again offer a range of departures via French Polynesia and re-open Pitcairn to the world”.

Strict COVID-safe protocols remain in place. All prospective visitors must provide proof of vaccination at time of booking and have an administered rapid-antigen test, on board the ship, prior to the ship's arrival at Pitcairn.

Pitcairn has put itself on the map as of lately with one of the world’s largest marine reserves and Mata ki te Rangi - Eyes To The Sky International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Home to the descendants of the HMAV Bounty and their Polynesian consorts, Pitcairn's future is equally as fascinating and draws international tourists from Europe to North America to Oceania.

For more information on 2022-23 shipping schedules to Pitcairn Island please visit https://www.visitpitcairn.pn/go_there/silver_supporter_schedule/index.html

PITCAIRN ISLANDS TOURISM LAUNCHES VIRTUAL TOUR

Pitcairn Virtual Tour Banner link     Photo Credit: © Pitcairn Islands Tourism

We’ve been keeping busy during the recent challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The apiaries continue to produce our amazingly pure Pitcairn honey, the community has been focusing on planning and building projects and the Pitcairn Islands Artisan Gallery is working on moving it’s store online (stay tuned for the online Grand Opening shortly!). 

The big news of the day, however, is that Pitcairn Islands Tourism has created a virtual tour of the island on our website for travelers to get a taste of Pitcairn whilst local and international travel restrictions remain in place.
During your virtual tour you can visit our public square, go underwater in our marine reserve, have an afternoon swim at Bounty Bay, check out a local homestay, hike up to Christian’s Cave, and stargaze in our international dark sky sanctuary: Mata ki te Rangi, meaning “Eyes To The Skies”.

But don’t take our word for it. Check-out Pitcairn’s new Virtual Tours here:  https://www.visitpitcairn.pn/go_there/tours/virtual_tour/

ABOUT THE PITCAIRN ISLANDS
The Pitcairn Islands are a group of four islands in the southern Pacific Ocean that comprise the last remaining British Overseas Territory in the Pacific. Only Pitcairn Island, the second largest, is inhabited. Located halfway between New Zealand and Peru, with a lush and fertile climate, Pitcairn has a colourful history. 

Pitcairn Island 360 view from 500 m.     Photo Credit: © Christopher Pegman

In 1789 Fletcher Christian led a mutiny on the English vessel, HMAV Bounty and, several months later, together with 8 fellow mutineers and 19 Polynesians, sailed the ship to Pitcairn Island, one of the most remote and isolated islands in the world. 

By 1808, when the tiny colony was rediscovered, all but one of the mutineers and all the Polynesian men had died. The surviving mutineer, John Adams, eleven Polynesian women and twenty-five children remained. Today, almost all of the 50 or so inhabitants of Pitcairn are direct descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Polynesian consorts. 

For more information visit: www.visitpitcairn.pn

New Expedition to Four of the World's Most Remote Islands

Crooked Compass calls naturalists, astronomers, historians and those chasing a highly exclusive experience to a new Pacific expedition from Tahiti to the Pitcairn Islands, one of the youngest and most remote tourist locations in the world, aboard the MV Silver Supporter freighter ship.

Only eight places (four twin cabins) are available on the 19-day tour departing 12 March, 2022 for $30,709 AUD per person.

Four islands make up the Pitcairn Islands: Pitcairn, a volcanic island; Henderson, a UNESCO World Heritage listed coral island; Oeno and Ducie, both coral atolls. With Pitcairn only being promoted as a tourism destination since 2010 and the other islands still only accessible via charter, a select group of travellers now have the rare privilege to explore the pristine islands and atolls and spend time on its shores.

Aligning with Crooked Compass' dedication to educating travellers on sustainable tourism, the Islands' sustainability plan centres on tourism. The surrounding seas are some of the least polluted and best protected ecosystems globally. All four islands form part of the world's third largest marine reserve and Ducie and Oeno, two rarely visited coral atolls, offer some of the most intact, natural reef systems to be found.

For naturalists, the Pitcairn Islands are etched with walking trails, natural pools, picnic spots and spectacular ocean views. Those keen to swim in Bounty Bay may find themselves bobbing with sea turtles. The UNESCO World Heritage listed Henderson Island has five endemic bird species and is a significant location for research on “survival of the fittest”, or insular evolution and natural selection, captivating scientists for years. Pitcairn Island is home to the world's purest honey due to the pristine nature of the environment.

For astro-tourists, the Pitcairn Islands were recently named the only group of islands in the world to be a designated International Dark Sky Sanctuary, only the eighth sanctuary on earth. The itinerary includes a trained islander presenting the night's sky and educating travellers on star-gazing essentials.

For historians, Pitcairn Island is brimming with folklore and a dramatic history, most famously known for the “Mutiny on the Bounty”. It is now home to less than 50 locals who are primarily direct decedents from the crew. It is Britain's last remaining South Pacific colony.

Immersing travellers in the local culture, homestays are the only type of accommodation available, varying from living with a local family to having an independent dwelling on their land. Join a local fishing trip and experience a community lunch – possibly the only location where you can dine with the entire country.

View the full itinerary and inclusions at: https://www.crooked-compass.com/tour/pitcairn-oeno-ducie-henderson/

For media information or commentary from Crooked Compass Founder, Lisa Pagotto, contact Angela Thompson: angela@seedpr.com.au or 0481 368 018.

About Crooked Compass
Crooked Compass is a boutique tour operator uncovering the world's best kept secrets through small group touring and customised itineraries. Created to inspire and educate through culturally immersive experiences and the power of storytelling, itineraries offer travellers a new perspective on a deeply personal level. Crooked Compass strategically and sensitively integrates local communities, aligning with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. www.crooked-compass.com

#FollowADifferentPath #Pitcairn #Islands #Pacific #Tahiti #Expedition

PITCAIRN ISLANDS TOURISM ANNOUNCES 2020-2021 SHIPPING SERVICE SCHEDULE

Following the announcement earlier in the year of a new ship, the MV Silver Supporter, Pitcairn Islands Tourism announced its 2020-2021 passenger sailing schedule today.

Making the announcement, Pitcairn Travel Coordinator, Heather Menzies said, “We have seen unprecedented demand in 2019, following an increase in capacity of 75% over previous years. Most sailings have been booked-out and this looks to continue through 2020 and beyond. For the first time we will have sailings spread across the year from January to December, providing our visitors with more choice of travel periods throughout the year than ever before”.

“Pitcairn’s recent accreditation as the world’s 8th International Dark Sky Sanctuary, including nomination by TIME Magazine in its 2019 top 100 places to visit and growing interest in scientific and nature tourism has opened up new opportunities for Pitcairn. This expanded shipping schedule for 2020-2021 has been designed to support this ever growing interest” Menzies added.

Located halfway between New Zealand and Peru, Pitcairn has been home to the descendants of the HMAV Bounty mutineers since 1790 and remains one of the most remote and undiscovered tourism destinations in the world.

Access to Pitcairn’s shipping service is via Mangareva in French Polynesia, a 4-hour flight from the capital, Papeete. The services are timed to meet the weekly Tuesday flight at Mangareva.

For more information on the new shipping schedule visit www.visitpitcairn.pn

THE PITCAIRN ISLANDS
The Pitcairn Islands are a group of four islands in the southern Pacific Ocean that comprise the last remaining British Overseas Territory in the Pacific. Only Pitcairn Island, the second largest, is inhabited. Located halfway between New Zealand and Peru, with a lush and fertile climate, Pitcairn has a colourful history. 

In 1789 Fletcher Christian led a mutiny on the English vessel, HMAV Bounty and, several months later, together with 8 fellow mutineers and 19 Polynesians, sailed the ship to Pitcairn Island, one of the most remote and isolated islands in the world. By 1808, when the tiny colony was rediscovered, all but one of the mutineers and all the Polynesian men had died. The surviving mutineer, John Adams, eleven Polynesian women and twenty-five children remained. 

Today, almost all of the 50 or so inhabitants of Pitcairn are direct descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Polynesian consorts. 

 For more information visit: www.visitpitcairn.pn

PITCAIRN ISLANDS: NEW SHIPPING SERVICE WILL GREATLY INCREASE ACCESS TO THE HOME OF THE BOUNTY MUTINEERS AND WORLD HERITAGE SITE HENDERSON ISLAND

MV Bravo Supporter

A new era for Pitcairn Islands Tourism is set to begin in March 2019 with the launch of a new shipping service to one of the world’s most remote tourism destinations.

From 2019, Pitcairn Island will see an amazing 75% increase in available capacity via the introduction of a new service being delivered by MV Bravo Supporter, under charter to the Pitcairn Islands Government.

The new schedule will see 21 passenger sailings to the island per annum, up from 12, together with increased opportunities for special interest cruises and charters.

Making the announcement, Pitcairn Travel Coordinator, Heather Menzies said, “The new service brings a modern vessel with 6 twin berth passenger cabins complete with en-suites, meaning that passengers will travel in comfort and style. And the 75% increase in available voyages each year will increase our attractiveness as a destination because tourists will at last be able to choose dates that work for them.”

“MV Bravo Supporter will be based in Pitcairn waters enabling us to facilitate charters and develop new itineraries that include the rest of our beautiful island group. We expect strong interest in itineraries that include World Heritage site Henderson Island as part of a Pitcairn Islands package, and discerning tourists will also welcome the opportunity to explore beautiful Oeno Island and the unique underwater experiences available at Ducie Island.”

“To complement the new service, we are launching a range of new initiatives and these will be announced over the coming weeks” Menzies added.

Located halfway between New Zealand and Peru, Pitcairn has been home to the descendants of the HMAV Bounty mutineers since 1790 and remains one of the most remote and undiscovered tourism destinations in the world. The new shipping service will provide visitors with increased options to visit this fascinating and remote destination.

Access to Pitcairn’s shipping service is via Mangareva in French Polynesia, a 4-hour flight from the capital, Papeete. The services are timed to meet the weekly Tuesday flight at Mangareva.

For more information on the new shipping schedule visit www.visitpitcairn.pn

PITCAIRN ISLANDS TOURISM LAUNCHES NEW TOUR PROGRAM

With visitor interest continuing to grow Pitcairn Islands Tourism is pleased to announce a new tour program for 2018.

The 18 night /19 day tour includes a stopover in Tahiti, the epic ocean voyage to Pitcairn, and 11 days on island with a range of activities and all meals included.

Announcing the launch, Pitcairn Islands Tourism Marketing Representative, Richard Hankin, said “Demand for visiting Pitcairn has increased over the past few years and we want to highlight all Pitcairn has to offer. The new tour, incorporates many of Pitcairn’s unique offerings, such as community dinners, fishing trips and on-island activities.” Hankin continued “The tour also enables a convenient one-stop booking process for clients seeking a truly intrepid South Pacific travel experience”.

The first tour departs Australia on 18 February 2018, with future departures planned based on demand, to complement the regular shipping service to Pitcairn.

Spacifica Travel are offering an early bird package starting from AU $11,999 pp twin share including return airfares from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane to Papeete flying Air Tahiti Nui and the 19 day tour package. This special deal is on sale until 31 August 2017. For details click here

Located deep in the South Pacific, half way between New Zealand and Peru, Pitcairn has been home to the descendants of the HMAV Bounty mutineers since 1790 and remains one of the most remote and undiscovered tourism destinations in the world.

Access to Pitcairn is via a quarterly shipping service that offers 12 round-trips annually between Mangareva in French Polynesia and Pitcairn Island.

Pitcairn Islands Tourism Launches New Website

Pitcairn Islands

With visitor interest continuing to grow Pitcairn Islands Tourism has recently updated their website.

New features include comprehensive visitor information, detailed accommodation listings and links to a range of social media assets.

Announcing the launch, Pitcairn Islands Tourism Travel Coordinator, Heather Menzies, said “We are excited to have a new and refreshed website. Demand for visiting Pitcairn has increased over the past few years and the updated website reflects this increased interest”. Menzies continued “The update follows on from our new re-population website, launched in December 2015. Pitcairn is looking to not only build our visitor arrivals but attract those seeking a lifestyle change”.

With increased sailings in 2016 and release of preliminary sailing dates for 2017 the new tourism website provides a great boost for the promotion of Pitcairn tourism offerings.

Located deep in the South Pacific, half way between New Zealand and Peru, Pitcairn has been home to the descendants of the HMAV Bounty mutineers since 1790 and remains one of the most remote and undiscovered destinations in the world.

Shipping services are provided by Stoney Creek Shipping of New Zealand, who owns the 486-tonne cargo-passenger vessel, MV Claymore II. The quarterly service offers 12 round-trips annually between Mangareva in French Polynesia and Pitcairn Island.

www.visitpitairn.pn

Pitcairn Islands Tourism Confirms Additional Sailings for 2016

Building on unprecedented demand for travel to one of the world's most remote destinations, Pitcairn Islands Tourism has announced additional sailings for 2016.

Increasing capacity by 25%, the additional departures will allow for 4 and 11 day stays on Legendary Pitcairn Island.

Depending on bookings, extended 18 day stays are also available from time to time. And those wanting to fully experience the rhythm of life on one of the most remote, sub-tropical islands in the world, can arrive on one quarterly rotation and depart on another, enabling a 3 month stay.

Making the announcement, Pitcairn Islands Tourism Travel Coordinator, Heather Menzies, said “We have seen demand to visit Pitcairn steadily grow. With increased awareness, Pitcairn is attracting a mix of special interest and environmental visitors, along with those seeking to share the island's rich history”. Menzies continued “We have some unique tourism offerings. After all, there are not many places in the world where you can literally dine with the whole country!” Referring to Pitcairn's unique tradition of community dinners.

Richard Hankin, of Tropics Marketing, who represents Pitcairn Islands Tourism in Australia, said “The bragging rights of a visit to Pitcairn are endless. Amongst these are passport envy, sighting endemic flora and fauna, posting a rare Facebook check-in or the chance to share the daily lives of the descendants of the Mutiny on the Bounty. The additional sailings for 2016 will allow a few more lucky visitors to share their Pitcairn experience.”

Located deep in the South Pacific, half way between New Zealand and Peru, Pitcairn has been home to the descendants of the HMAV Bounty mutineers since 1790. Surrounded by the largest marine reserve on earth, it remains one of the most remote and undiscovered destinations in the world.

Shipping services are provided by Stoney Creek Shipping of New Zealand, who owns the 486-tonne cargo-passenger vessel, MV Claymore II. The quarterly service will offer 12 round-trips in 2016 between Mangareva in French Polynesia and Pitcairn Island.

Website: www.visitpitcairn.pn

South Pacific Tourism Organisation Hosts!

South Pacific Tourism Exchange in Melbourne on 19 and 20 June 2015.

Following the unprecedented success of last year’s inaugural South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) in Auckland in 2014, the South Pacific Tourism Organisation will host its second annual tourism exchange in Melbourne on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June 2015 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

The SPTE programme of meetings and events will officially open with a cocktail reception for over 50 domestic and international media on Thursday 18 June. The South Pacific Tourism Organisation’s CEO, Mr. Ilisoni Vuidreketi will welcome and officially open the South Pacific Tourism Exchange. Guests will be entertained with a performance by Melbourne-based South Pacific Islanders and served authentic South Pacific dishes prepared by MCEC’s award-winning catering team.

Ideally placed on the tourism calendar dove-tailing into ATE, the exchange will showcase over 80 tour operators and products from no less than 16 member countries of the region including " American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Timore Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Boasting exhibitors from popular holiday destinations and lesser-known isles alike, the exchange promises to be an informative, interactive and innovative forum for sharing highlights and news from this dynamic region as well as updating the travel industry about the region’s progress since Cyclone Pam.

There are over 20 resorts attending including well known destinations such as Sofitel French Polynesia in Tahiti and Hilton’s Moorea Lagoon Resort and award-winning Yasawa Island Resort and the popular Irikiki Island Resort and Castaway Island to family-friendly resorts such as Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and low key resorts on Lomani Island and Plantation Island.

From Treasure Island’s Eueiki Resort and Totatoka Resort Nadi to the exotic-sounding Royal Sunset Island Resort to relaxed, authentic accommodation such as Beachcomber Island Resort and newly opened Tarawa Boutique Hotel, there will be something to appeal to even the most seasoned Pacific Island traveller.

Those interested in marine life and conservation will be keen to hear about the largest fully protected marine reserve in the world around the Pitcairn Islands. In an area slightly larger than New South Wales, the reserve is home to over 1200 species of marine life.

For adrenalin junkies, there are representatives of Papua New Guinea’s Highland Adventure Tours, Trekking Adventures and Buna Treks and Tours attending the tourism expo.

For spa devotees, The Rarotonga Beach Resort & Spa, Aga Reef Resort & Spa, Pearl South Pacific Resort & Spa and Te Manava Luxury Villas and Spa will all be exhibiting.

Tahiti’s Dream Yacht Charter and Aranui Cruise as well as Captain Cook Cruises will satisfy those with an appetite for finding out more about travel at sea.

Exhibiting airlines include Fiji Airways, Naura Air, Air Rarotonga, Real Tonga Airlines and Air Vanuatu.

From resorts and bures, spas and treks to airlines and cruises and tourism organisations, the South Pacific Tourism Exchange offers attendees an opportunity to meet the best of the South Pacific at the same time.

South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) is the region’s largest travel and tourism business-to-business event.

The SPTE presents an excellent opportunity to learn the latest details about this sun-drenched must-see collective of islands.

Pitcairn Islands to Become Home to World's Largest Marine Reserve

Pitcairn Islands

The British Government has recently taken action to create the world's largest fully protected marine reserve around the Pitcairn Islands, a British overseas territory in the South Pacific Ocean.

The reserve will cover an area of 834,334-square-kilometre and is slightly larger than the size of New South Wales. Home to at least 1,249 species of marine mammals, seabirds and fish, the new reserve protects some of the most near-pristine ocean habitat on Earth.

Since March 2012 The Pitcairn Islands Council has been working with National Geographic's "Pristine Seas" project and UK-based PEW Charitable Trust to conduct scientific exploratory expeditions and preparing a proposal calling for creation of a marine reserve to protect Pitcairn's spectacular waters.

"Pitcairn Islands Tourism is guided by the principles of sustainable tourism development. The creation of the marine reserve adds a new dimension to our tourism offering. " said Pitcairn's Travel Coordinator, Heather Menzies. "Together with our World Heritage listed Henderson Island and our warm and hospitable people, who are a living history from the Bounty mutiny in 1789, we are a truly unique travel destination".

"With the support of a number of international scientific and conservation organisations, Pitcairn Islanders are committed to preserving our pristine environment" Menzies added. "Allowing visitors to experience one of the most intact natural marine areas in the world".

Pitcairn Islands

The Pitcairn Islands can be reached by regular shipping service from French Polynesia. Full details about travelling to Pitcairn Island and current shipping schedules are available on the Pitcairn islands Tourism website www.visitpitcairn.pn or contact Tropics Marketing toll-free on 1300 713 132 and email pitcairn@tropicsmarketing.com.au.

Pitcairn Islands Tourism to Receive Boost With New Harbour

Pitcairn Island

Pitcairn Islands Tourism will receive a boost in 2015 with the completion of a new harbour.

Landing on remote Pitcairn Island is often an adventure in itself. Pitcairn Islanders have for years honed their seamanship skills riding the waves through the reef into Bounty Bay. Steering the islands two longboats into the Pitcairn's only harbour is a memorable and at times hair-raising experience.

But this is about to change. With the assistance of the European Union (EU), a new alternate landing area is being built on the more protected western side of the island known as Tedside. This is great news for the islands fledgling tourism industry. Pitcairn's Travel Coordinator, Heather Menzies, says “Around 12 cruise ships per year call past Pitcairn. Many of the larger liners cruise off shore and islanders sell their souvenirs at market stalls set up on board. With the development of the new harbour many more passengers will be able to come ashore and enjoy the treasures our special island has to offer. We are hoping this will encourage more cruise companies to call at Pitcairn”.

The project is a major effort for Pitcairn's small workforce and with a new road, landing area and other facilities all being built the harbour is due to become operational late in 2015.

“Visiting Pitcairn, with our warm and hospitable people, living history from the Bounty mutiny in 1789 through to being surrounded by an endless horizon of pristine waters, is a truly unique and unforgettable experience”, says Menzies. “The new harbour development provides improved access to the island and we look forward to welcoming more visitors to Pitcairn.

Full details about travelling to Pitcairn Island and current shipping schedules are available on the Pitcairn islands Tourism website www.visitpitcairn.pn or contact Tropics Marketing toll-free on 1300 713 132 and email pitcairn@tropicsmarketing.com.au.

PITCAIRN ISLANDS TOURISM CONFIRMS 2015 AND 2016 SAILINGS

Pitcairn Island

Pitcairn Islands Tourism has confirmed dates for their passenger shipping services to Pitcairn Island through to 2016.

The new shipping services were announced at the Pitcairn Islands Tourism launch in Sydney yesterday.

Making the announcement at the launch of Pitcairn Island as an emerging tourism destination for Australians, Richard Hankin, of Tropics Marketing who represent Pitcairn Islands Tourism in Australia, said “The shipping service connecting Pitcairn to the outside world through French Polynesia is pivotal to the continued development of tourism to the island group”

Services are provided by Stoney Creek Shipping of New Zealand, who own the 486-tonne cargo-passenger vessel, MV Claymore II. The quarterly service operates at least 8 round-trips per annum between Mangareva in French Polynesia and Pitcairn Island, allowing 4 or 11 day stays on the island. With increased demand for the service, there is potential to provide additional rotations each year.

Along with the announcement of the new sailing dates, the launch included an insightful presentation by guest-speaker and 7th generation Pitcairn Islander, Jacqui Christian. Describing Pitcairn as “Truly an adventure destination”, Ms Christian highlighted Pitcairn’s links to the famous Mutiny on the Bounty, endemic flora and fauna and pristine environment as key areas of interest that attract visitors to the islands.

Marketing and awareness programmes were also announced and are being rolled out over the coming months. For information about visiting legendary Pitcairn Island call 1300 713 132 or visit www.visitpitcairn.pn