He and a handful of survivors were captured by the islanders and became embroiled in their internal wars. Lamont obtained three wives during the course of his year on the atoll before being rescued. Today, Tongareva is enjoying the fruits of its booming black pearl industry. Accommodation is available at Tarakore . There are regular flights via Air Rarotonga to Tongareva each Saturday from Rarotonga with a brief stop at Aitutaki .
Flight time is four hours.