Raemaru

Raemaru rises to around three hundred and fifty metres behind Arorangi and is flat on top, and the tradition explaining that says warriors from Aitutaki came and cut the summit off, carrying it home to make Maungapu, which is why their island's highest point is flat too. The climb from Arorangi is steep with fixed ropes on the upper section, and the flat top gives a view along the whole western coast.

Background

The summit stands 357 meters above sea level, 5 km southwest of Avarua, and belongs to the Pouraa Mountains. The land around it is hilly to the east and flat to the northwest, with the sea close by to the southwest. Te Manga, the highest point in the area, rises to 653 meters, 5.1 km to the east. Local tradition says the mountain was once called Maru and stood taller before its top was taken away to Aitutaki, where it became Maunga Pu.

Source: Wikipedia, "Raemaru"

What's there

• The flat summit - the top the legend says was cut off and taken away.
• The Aitutaki story - the tradition linking this peak to Maungapu.
• The rope sections - the fixed lines on the steep upper part of the climb.
• The coast view - the western shore and lagoon from the top.

When to go

May to October is the drier season and the trail is safest. Rain makes the rope sections dangerous. Start early to avoid the heat.

What to expect

The trail is steep with rope sections and is genuinely hard; it is not a casual walk. Rain makes it dangerous. There is no water on the route.

Nearby

Arorangi is below, and Highland Paradise is nearby.

Key facts