Henderson Island

Henderson Island, an uninhabited raised coral island in the remote Pitcairn group, is one of the most pristine and scientifically precious places on earth, a UNESCO World Heritage site recognised as one of the few atolls in the world whose ecology remains virtually untouched by humans. Uplifted coral cliffs ring a plateau of dense, tangled forest, and this isolation has allowed a unique array of life to flourish, including four species of land bird found nowhere else on the planet, among them a flightless rail, along with rare plants and nesting seabirds. Difficult to land on and strictly protected, Henderson is visited only rarely, on scientific or specialist expeditions. It stands as a globally important sanctuary and a window into an untouched natural world.

The landscape

• The endemic birds - the four unique land birds found only here.
• The raised coral cliffs - the uplifted coral ringing the island.
• The pristine forest - the untouched tangled plateau forest.
• The seabird colonies - the nesting seabirds of the island.

When to go

April to October, the cooler, drier season, offers the calmest seas for the difficult approach and landing, avoiding the hotter, wetter months; the subtropical climate is mild year-round. Access is possible only rarely, on specialist expeditions when sea conditions allow.

Before you go

Henderson is uninhabited, extraordinarily remote and strictly protected, with difficult landings and access permitted only for scientific or specialist expeditions, so it is not a conventional destination and is seen by very few. As a UNESCO World Heritage raised coral island of near-untouched ecology and unique birds found nowhere else on earth, though, Henderson is a globally important and pristine natural treasure.

Nearby

The inhabited island of Pitcairn lies to the southwest.