Te Rua Rere Cave
A burial cave in Mangaia's makatea, visited with a guide from the landowning family.
Updated 3 September 2026
Te Rua Rere is a cave in Mangaia's raised coral ring holding the remains of people from earlier generations, placed there as the island's burial practice required, and it also holds substantial stalactite and flowstone formations in its deeper chambers. Visits are led by the family that holds the land, entry involves scrambling and a ladder, and photography of the remains is governed by what the family permits.
Highlights
- The burial chambers - the sections holding the remains of earlier generations.
- The formations - stalactites and flowstone in the deeper parts.
- The makatea setting - the raised coral the cave is cut into.
- The family guiding - the landowners who lead the visits.
When to go
May to October is the drier season. Visits must be arranged on the island. The cave is cool inside year round.
Good to know
This is a burial site and the family's rules on behaviour and photography must be followed absolutely. Access involves scrambling and a ladder. Visits must be arranged in advance on the island.
Nearby
Oneroa is nearby, and the makatea rings the island.
What to pack for Te Rua Rere Cave
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Head torch + spare batteries - Hands-free light is essential; caves are truly dark. Find on Amazon
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- Grippy closed shoes - Cave floors are wet, muddy and slick with formations. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
