Buffalo Town: The Heart of Pitcairn Islands

• HelloKia orana
  [Kee-ah oh-rah-nah]
• GoodbyeKa kite
  [Kah kee-teh]
• YesAe
  [Eye]
• NoKare
  [Kah-reh]
• Please/You're welcomeMeitaki
  [May-tah-kee]
• Thank youMeitaki
  [May-tah-kee]
• Excuse me/SorryTangiia
  [Tahng-ee-ah]
• How are you?Aue a koe?
  [Ow-eh ah koh-eh?]
• Fine. And you?Maitaki. E koe?
  [My-tah-kee. Eh koh-eh?]
• Do you speak English?E koe e korero Ingarihi?
  [Eh koh-eh eh koh-reh-roh Ing-gah-ree-hee?]
• I don't understandKare au e mohio
  [Kah-reh ow eh moh-hee-oh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKia kite au i te menu, meitaki
  [Kee-ah kee-teh ow ee teh meh-noo, may-tah-kee]
• I don't eat meatKare au e kai i te kai moa
  [Kah-reh ow eh kai ee teh kai moh-ah]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [Mah-noo-ee-ah!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseKia kite au e utu, meitaki
  [Kee-ah kee-teh ow eh oo-too, may-tah-kee]

• Help!Awhina!
  [Ah-fee-nah!]
• Go away!Haere atu!
  [High-reh ah-too!]
• Call the Police!Karanga i te Pirihimana!
  [Kah-rah-ngah ee teh Pee-ree-hee-mah-nah!]
• Call a doctor!Karanga i te Tohita!
  [Kah-rah-ngah ee teh Toh-hee-tah!]
• I'm lostKua ngaro ahau
  [Koo-ah ngah-roh ah-how]
• I'm illKei ahau te mate
  [Kay ah-how teh mah-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Kia kite au e hoko...
  [Kee-ah kee-teh ow eh hoh-koh...]
• I'm just lookingKei te titiro ahau
  [Kay teh tee-tee-roh ah-how]
• How much is it?E hia te moni?
  [Eh hee-ah teh moh-nee?]
• That's too expensiveHe nui rawa te utu
  [Heh noo-ee rah-wah teh oo-too]
• Can you lower the price?Ka taea e koe te whakaiti i te utu?
  [Kah tah-eh-ah eh koh-eh teh fah-kai-tee ee teh oo-too?]

• What time is it?He aha te wa?
  [Heh ah-hah teh wah?]
• It's one o'clockKotahi te haora
  [Koh-tah-hee teh hah-oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Tekau ma rima
  [Teh-koh mah ree-mah]
• MorningAtaarangi
  [Ah-tah-rahng-ee]
• AfternoonAhiahi
  [Ah-hee-ah-hee]
• EveningPomare
  [Poh-mah-reh]
• YesterdayAroapo
  [Ah-roh-ah-poh]
• TodayAianei
  [Ah-yah-nay]
• TomorrowĀpōpō
  [Ah-poh-poh]
• 1Tahi
  [Tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [Roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [Toh-roo]
• 4Whā
  [Fah]
• 5Rima
  [Ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [Oh-noh]
• 7Whitu
  [Fee-too]
• 8Waru
  [Wah-roo]
• 9Iwa
  [Ee-wah]
• 10Tekau
  [Teh-koh]

• Where's a/the...?Kei hea te...?
  [Kay hay-ah teh...?]
• What's the address?He aha te wāhitau?
  [Heh ah-hah teh wah-hee-tow?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ka taea e koe te whakaatu mai (i runga i te mahere)?
  [Kah tah-eh-ah eh koh-eh teh fah-kah-ah-too my (ee roong-gah ee teh mah-heh-reh)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Āhea te (pahi) e tae mai ai?
  [Ah-heh-ah teh (pah-hee) eh tah-eh my eye?]
• A ticket (to ....)He tīkiti (ki ...)
  [Heh tee-kee-tee (kee ...)]

Buffalo Town was founded in the early 19th century by settlers seeking a new beginning on the Pitcairn Islands. They were drawn by the promise of fertile land and a peaceful life away from the bustling cities of their home countries. The town's name is said to have been inspired by the settlers' admiration for the strength and resilience of the American buffalo, a symbol of the pioneering spirit.

One of the most significant historical events associated with Buffalo Town is the arrival of the HMS Bounty mutineers in 1790. Led by Fletcher Christian, the mutineers sought refuge in the Pitcairn Islands after their infamous rebellion. The descendants of these mutineers played a crucial role in the development of Buffalo Town, contributing to its unique cultural tapestry.

In the mid-19th century, Buffalo Town became an important stopover for whaling ships in the South Pacific. The town's strategic location made it a prime spot for whalers to rest, resupply, and trade. This era brought an influx of goods, ideas, and people, significantly impacting the local culture and economy. Many of the town's historic buildings and artifacts date back to this prosperous period.

During World War II, Buffalo Town played a minor yet strategic role as a lookout point for Allied forces. The town's elevated positions provided an excellent vantage point for monitoring enemy movements in the South Pacific. Though the Pitcairn Islands saw little direct conflict, the war left an indelible mark on the community, fostering a sense of unity and resilience among the residents.

The culture of Buffalo Town is a rich blend of Polynesian and European influences, reflecting the diverse origins of its inhabitants. Traditional crafts, such as wood carving and weaving, are still practiced and celebrated. The town hosts annual festivals that showcase its unique heritage, including dance performances, storytelling sessions, and communal feasts featuring local delicacies like breadfruit and taro.

In recent years, Buffalo Town has seen a surge in tourism, attracting visitors with its stunning natural beauty and intriguing history. Efforts have been made to preserve the town's historical sites and promote sustainable tourism. Modern amenities have been introduced, but the town remains committed to maintaining its cultural integrity and small-town charm.

Buffalo Town is located on Pitcairn Island, one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. The nearest airport is in Mangareva, French Polynesia, which has flights from Tahiti. From Mangareva, you can take a boat or yacht to Pitcairn Island, which takes about 32 hours. There are also occasional passenger ships that visit Pitcairn Island, but schedules can be infrequent and subject to change due to weather conditions.

Buffalo Town is small and most places of interest are within walking distance. There are no public transportation systems, taxis, or car rentals available on Pitcairn Island. Locals often use quad bikes or ATVs to get around, and it's possible to hire one from a local resident. Bicycles are also a popular mode of transportation and can be borrowed or rented.

The official currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it's important to bring enough cash for your entire stay. There are no ATMs on the island, and banking services are limited, so plan accordingly. Some locals may accept other forms of currency, such as US Dollars or Euros, but it's best to have NZD.

Buffalo Town is generally a safe destination with a low crime rate. However, as in any remote location, it's important to take standard precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid isolated areas after dark. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always best to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, the island has basic medical facilities and a resident nurse. For medical emergencies, contact the island nurse or a local resident, as there is no hospital on the island. Emergency services can be reached by radio communication. It is highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation, as serious medical cases may require evacuation to Tahiti or New Zealand.

Fashion: Do dress modestly and comfortably. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal due to the tropical climate. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. There are no formal places of worship, but respect for the Sabbath and local religious practices is appreciated. Public Transport: Since there is no public transport, do be prepared to walk or arrange for alternative transportation with locals. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly hello and a smile. Handshakes are common, and locals are generally very welcoming. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don't waste food, as supplies can be limited due to the island's isolation.

To experience Buffalo Town like a local, take part in community activities and events. Engage with the residents, who are often eager to share their unique way of life. Visit the local museum to learn about the island's history and the Bounty mutineers. Participate in fishing or hiking trips organized by locals for an authentic experience. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join a traditional Pitcairn feast if you’re invited.