The Pitcairn Islands (Pitkern: Pitkern Ailen), officially named the Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands, are a group of four islands in the southern Pacific Ocean. The islands comprise a British Overseas Territory (formerly a British colony), the last remaining in the Pacific. Only Pitcairn Island, the second largest, is inhabited. Located halfway between New Zealand and Peru, with a lush and fertile climate, Pitcairn has a colourful history.
Although the settlers were able to survive by farming and fishing, the initial period of settlement was marked by serious tensions. Alcoholism, murder, disease and other ills took the lives of most of the mutineers and Tahitian men.
The story of the Mutiny on the Bounty has been told in numerous books and Hollywood movies. For most people it is this extraordinary history which they associate with Pitcairn Island. Accessible only by sea it is the rugged beauty of the island itself and its friendly and resilient people that make Pitcairn one of the world best kept secrets.
Mayor Simon Young
Pitcairn Islands Council
Pitcairn Islands Office
PO Box 105 696
Auckland
New Zealand
Tel: +64 9 984 0136
Email: mayor@pitcairn.gov.pn