Atiu Island

Atiu Island boasts some of the Cook Islands' most beautiful scenery. It is surrounded by a ring of raised fossilized coral, a geological curiosity known as makatea. On the makatea are dozens of caves, many of which can be explored. Guided tours are available and a good idea, as it is easy to get lost if you enter the caves on your own. The island is about one kilometer wide and in its center is a 70 m (230 feet) high hill with a flat top.

Although Atiu has several excellent beaches, the only feasible place for swimming is Taunganui Harbor, which has deep and clear waters. Most of the beaches are within walking distance from the coastal road, although you might have to push yourself through some thick bushes to get to some of them.

Oravaru Beach is on Atiu's western coast. It is thought to be the place where Captain Cook landed, when he discovered the island. Oneroa Beach is a great spot for finding seashells. Between Oneroa Beach and Tarapaku Landing on Atiu's northeastern coast are the Three Grottoes, which can only be visited when the sea is calm. At low tide the lagoon between Takauroa Beach and Matai Landing drains out through sinkholes. These sinkholes are then good places for snorkeling, as most of the lagoon's maritime life forms are trapped there until the tide comes in again. One of these sinkholes is known as the Coral Garden. At low tide it is filled with trapped tropical fish and you can walk there from the beach along the reef.

Between Tarapaku and Tengatangi Village is a steep road that passes through plantations, taro fields, pawpaw trees, makatea and littoral forest. There is also a long wall, known as the Vairakai Marae. It was constructed from 47 large limestone slabs. The road runs up a hill and when you reach the top you can make the circuit of Atiu's five villages.

The villages are all within a kilometer of each other. In the village of Teenui is the Fibre Arts Studio, where the colorful patterned bedspreads, known as tivaevae are manufactured. The tivaevae are among the most famous handicrafts of the Cook Islands. Other items that are sold there include quilts, hangings, handbags and other accessories.

The Atiu Island Coffee Factory is toward the southeastern end of the village circuit. It is a good place to watch how the coffee beans are hulled, roasted and packed. Coffee plantation tours that include sampling, are also available.

Accommodation is available on Atiu, although the island is not often visited by tourists. There are several daily flights between Atiu and Rarotonga. It is also possible to get to Atiu on inter-island passenger freighters. Atiu Island is 210 km northeast of Avarua.