🌎 Cook Islands 🇨🇰
⭐
📍 Te Rua Manga (The Needle)
✈️ Enua Airport (AIU)
🚗
⏱️
Te Rua Manga, also known as The Needle, is a distinctive rock formation located in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, offering stunning panoramic views. A moderate level of fitness is required for the inland hike, which usually takes around 2-4 hours to complete. While solo hiking is possible, guided tours are recommended for safety and to learn about local flora, fauna, and legends. The trail can be slippery, especially after rain, and certain sections require climbing, so appropriate footwear is essential. There are no significant seasonal restrictions, but hiking during daylight hours is advised. The cost primarily involves transportation to the trailhead (rental car, scooter, or bus) and potentially the cost of a guided tour, which varies depending on the operator. Accessibility to the trailhead is relatively easy via the main road, but the trail itself has limited accessibility for those with mobility issues.