Situated 25 miles northeast of neighboring Manihiki, Rakahanga is an atoll with a picturesque, almost totally enclosed lagoon.

There is no airport and access is limited to a three hour ride by small craft from Manihiki or a three day voyage by inter-island ship from Rarotonga.

Picturesque and unspoiled, it consists of two major islands and seven small islets encompassing a central lagoon.

The main village, Matara, is near the south-west opening in the reef. Fishing and agriculture are the traditional employment. A number of residents find regular work in the pearl industry on nearby Manihiki.