29 Oct 2015

Taumako, Duff Islands

We arrived just as the sun rose behind the jagged peaks that dominate the centre of Taumako Island. Landings here are very affected by the tide and this morning when we took our agent ashore we were only just able to get inside the reef with the Zodiac before the water became too shallow to navigate. The intrepid Chris was then left behind as we sailed the Spirit of Enderby along the island chain to the most northern islands, enjoying the views along the way, before returning to the Zodiac launching position after an early lunch.

Our first stop on Taumako was to snorkel and beachcomb on a beautiful beach at the northern end of the island. Dazzling white sands fringed the shoreline and from there it was but a short distance to a myraid of coral diversity beneath the waves. Onshore the birders quickly located the normally elusive Palm Lorikeets amongst the trees. All too soon it was time to re-board the Zodiacs and head along the island to the main village. Enroute we passed the impressive artificial reef islands built and religiously maintained by the islanders. Ashore we were formally welcomed at the village ‘square’ where various dances were performed and the uniquely Polynesian nature of the people and the language came to the fore.

After the performance we walked through the village to see a model Te Puke or ocean sailing canoe for which these islands are known internationally. The scale model was built using traditional techniques and displayed the intricate craftsmanship required in the construction of the vessel. The energetic took a Solomon Islands ten minute walk across the island to see the remains of the first Te Puke constructed on the island in modern times. There was little left to see, but the walk was excellent and offered a different view on the island. It was well after the sun had set that we returned to the ship after a long but very satisfying afternoon.