*DX NEWS* Northern Cooks – Soon Active

In what’s looming as one of the most exciting dxpeditions of the last decade, world-class DXpeditioner—41DA981 Giovanni—will soon be QRV from teeny Tauhunu Islet in the heart of the Pacific!


One of the most remote inhabitations in this spectacular part of the world, Tauhunu Islet is nestled within the remote Northern Cook Island chain and falls the banner of 249 Division.

Known locally as “the Island of Pearls”, this tiny speck of Pacifica paradise is situated on the western rim of the Manihiki Atoll and the world awaits a Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) presence there on the world’s premier HF band.

According to the World Atlas, this incredible body of land is triangular in shape, and roughly 1299 km north of Rarotonga in the Southern Cooks (250 Division).



Pristine, peaceful and with palpable beauty, Tauhunu Islet is one of 40 tiny motu (islets), which are strung along the reef, on the perimeter of a stunning 9 km-wide, almost completely enclosed lagoon.

Possessing the reference OC-014 in accordance with the World IOTA Program, other main islets of Manihiki atoll are Ngake, Atimono, Motu Hakamaru, Porea, Te Puka & Murihiti.

The main village on Tauhunu Islet shares the islet’s name and it’s here where our man Giovanni has obtained ham friendly accommodation by the water’s edge.



As you can imagine, DXpedition downtime opportunities—when the propagation rests— here are abundant…

The coral reef provides excellent swimming and snorkelling, with colourful tropical fish to view.

There’s awesome fishing in the open waters beyond the reef, including catches of Yellow-fin Tuna, Bonito and Flying fish.

The island is also renowned for its black pearls and recon indicates there are pearl farms dotted around the lagoon to which tourists can visit.



Apart from the presence of a school, churches, stores and a few pickup trucks, the islet is one of the loneliest DXstinations in the Pacific.

For any aspiring DXpeditioner, therefore, travel to and from the Atoll is significantly challenging.

Flight schedules, fuel shortages, baggage limitations, WX and enormous costs ensure it’s one of the least visited islands in the Pacific by aspiring DXpedition Teams.

Flying time to the island is roughly 4 hours, and there’s a weekly flight every Thursday from Rarotonga.

As you might expect, Giovanni will be armed with a high quality DX station.

We also understand that his station will be power by the Tauhunu solar farm.



Check out all the details, including dates, sponsorship opportunities, QSLM coordinates, station composition, and more, in the right hand side of the website under ‘DXPEDITION LIST’.