Pukapuka

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Pukapuka

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Pukapuka, Remote coral atoll in northern Cook Islands.

The island group consists of three distinct islets forming a three-bladed fan shape with a crescent-shaped bay at the northern section.

Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendaña first documented the atoll in 1595, naming it San Bernardo before John Byron designated it as Islands of Danger in 1765.

The inhabitants of Pukapuka maintain traditional navigation methods, creating star maps that incorporate Polynesian legends and marine creatures for celestial guidance.

Air Rarotonga operates occasional flights to Pukapuka, with schedules dependent on weather conditions and requiring advance arrangements through their booking office.

Archaeological discoveries revealed large dog bones from 300 BC, indicating the presence of canines similar in size to Australian dingoes, uncommon in Southeast Asia.

Elevation above the sea: 11 m

Website: http://www.cookislands.org.uk/pukapuka.htm

Part of: Northern Cook Islands

Website: http://cookislands.org.uk/pukapuka.htm

GPS coordinates: -10.88333,-165.85000

Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:35

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