Sunrise at Toŋariki and walk around Hanga Roa. 20th April.

Sunrise tour to the 15 Moai at Toŋariki. Picked up at 6am.

The tsunami of 1960 here knocked over the Moai – previously there were 21 evidently and some were broken too badly for repair.

Yesterday on our tour we learnt that the restoration at Toŋariki was funded by the Japanese. They had been loaned one Moai (the Traveller and single one now placed near the entrance at Toŋariki) for display at the 1996 expo. Upon return there was two marks across his body from transit. The Japanese were very sorry and later funded the restoration of site in recompense. Thankful to the Japanese for such a good site.

There were quite a few people there so Moai are low in photos to cut our heads. Overcast and drizzly but still some sunrise colour.

Upon moving to the wooden viewing platforms that Luis had pointed out yesterday we noticed the rain had really highlighted the amazing petroglyphs on the rock. You can see the Tangata Manu – Birdman, fish, turtle and patterns on the rock.

Then back to hotel for breakfast, before our free day in Hanga Roa. The day was spent wandering around town.

These horses were splashing and digging in a muddy puddle.

We had passed a mural in the bus of an old woman with EarPods and wanted a picture.

I will let the pictures tell the story of our day. I racked up 25000 steps.

More murals.

We had heard of some food trucks and stopped at IraBar for juice. Yum passion fruit and strawberry. Ice bag had a cool Moai. Makena = party. The thought I took a picture but I didn’t.

We headed towards the port as we were curious.

Proudly selling his morning tuna catch.

There are numerous fishing boats in the town and the men go out and line catch. The tuna we ate was absolutely delicious.

More Moai

Lunch on coast at Neptune

Delicious tuna and prawns.

Slowly wised up. Two meals between three.

There is a Rockpool been made for swimming and snorkeling. It has some resident turtles.

The cemetery had been recommended for a look, so off we went and then back along the coast and walked back to Hotel for drinks and sadly we needed to pack and get organised for our departure tomorrow. We ate at hotel again after another busy day. We wish we were staying a few more days. Highly recommend a week here.