A New Zealand sailor spent years living alone on a remote Cook Islands atoll across 3 separate stays

Suwarrow atoll, once the secluded refuge of hermit Tom Neale, has transformed into the Cook Islands' inaugural conservation sanctuary. After Neale spent sixteen years in seclusion on Anchorage Island, the atoll was designated as a national park and bird haven. This vital area now protects critical seabird nesting grounds and marine ecosystems, allowing Neale's legacy to be honored through his preserved hut and a tribute on the island.