Introducing Atiu
For many centuries, the island of 'Atiu was infamous across the South Seas for its warlike ways, but these days the island is better known as perhaps the most ecofriendly and environmentally minded of the Cook Islands. Like its sister islands, Ma'uke and Mitiaro, 'Atiu's most dramatic natural feature is its jagged makatea - a raised coral reef that was pushed up by violent geological activity 100,000 years ago, and now completely encircles the outer section of the island.
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For such a small place, 'Atiu supports an amazing variety of natural habitats, from deep underground caves and dense coastal forest to soggy swamps and inland lakes, and the island's rich wildlife is a major draw - but 'Atiu is more than just a natural playground. It's a far more traditional island than either Rarotonga or Aitutaki, and the people here are more in touch with their Polynesian heritage. There are historic marae (open-air meeting grounds), eerie burial caves and ancient coral roads to explore, and 'Atiu is the only island where you can experience a traditional tumunu, the Cook Islands' equivalent of the kava-drinking ceremonies you'll see in the rest of the South Pacific. Most people only stay on 'Atiu for a few days, but that's really only long enough to scratch the surface of this fascinating island.
Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Aitu or Mangaia?
by Pergola55 12 July 2011
Atiu has small scale tourism, Mangaia has practically no tourism (when I stayed there last year in May I was the ONLY tourist). Both have…
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RE: Visit Atiu for only 2 nights and 2 days? Or skip?
by Pergola55 12 July 2011
Atiu has a very small population, all living in the centre of the island, and very small scale tourism! Which makes it lovely to me, I…
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RE: Visit Atiu for only 2 nights and 2 days? Or skip?
by Lilau 29 May 2011
Last July/August I did the same, although I had a bit more time. I loved the Cooks, but in hindsight stayed too long on Rarotonga. Way…
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