Rennell

Introducing Rennell

Rennell is a Shangri-la for eco-tourists. At 130 sq km, Lake Te’Nggano, in the southeast, is the South Pacific’s largest expanse of freshwater and feels like an untouched paradise. The lake is the old lagoon floor and the tall cliffs that surround it are the old reef. Its western end has 200-odd coral islets and swamps. Four villages lie along the shore, including Te’Nggano, the subprovincial headquarters. It’s famous for its abundant bird and marine life, including tilapia, giant eels and sea snakes.

Guesthouses at Lake Te’Nggano can organise excursions on the lake. Regular stops include Octopus Cave, a spooky cave on the north shore, and a visit to Bird island, where hundreds of cormorants, boobies and frigates nest year-round. It’s a fascinating sight. Your guide might well climb up a tree to catch a cormorant or two for your dinner (not for the squeamish). Lake Te’Nggano is not really a suitable place to get wet. There’s no beach, and only Brits could don their swimming suits and bathe in the milky, pea-green waters. The only place that’s suitable for a dip is Octopus Cave, which has limpid waters.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009