By foot we go down, and we enter through a cave. A great series of stone arches above the sea complement side caves with red and green stalactites and stlagmites in fantastic fliowing formations. The constant roar of the surf adds to the overwhelming impression the place makes. Arches of Talava. Cave in Talava.
Butterflies are everywhere, as are orchids, hibiscus, frangipani, and bougainvillea.
Eventually we reach the Mapata Chasm. It is a wide, sunken chasm that was once the bathing place of Niuean royalty. This is our last stop. Probably they have never seen a vehicle like this. Rare, little beach.