Te Rua Manga — The Needle

The story behind the place

Te Rua Manga, widely known as the Needle, is one of Rarotonga's most distinctive inland landmarks. Its steep exposed rock rises above forested slopes along the island's cross-island walking route. The contrast is striking: fractured grey faces and small ledges of greenery above a dense green canopy. Cook Islands Tourism identifies the Needle as a destination on this route, with approaches from the north and south. It belongs to Rarotonga's rugged interior, far from the ring-shaped lagoon scene many visitors imagine.

Find Te Rua Manga — The Needle on the map, record the discovery in your travel journal and continue exploring nearby places.