Plizio Visual Lab
Anatakitaki Cave
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
Weather…
Water temperature…
Anatakitaki Cave, located on the island of Atiu in the Cook Islands, is a spectacular natural site that has a unique blend of ecology and ancient history. Formed from rugged Makatea limestone, the cave is renowned for being the home of the Kopeka bird, or Atiu Swiftlet, a rare species that uses echolocation to fly through the darkness. Beyond its biological significance, the cave holds a somber place in local history, having served as a refuge for the Atiu people during times of tribal warfare. Ancient burial sites hidden within its chambers bear witness to the island's long and complex heritage. Adventurous visitors can explore the massive caverns filled with towering stalactites and stalagmites, often concluding their trek with a refreshing swim in one of the crystal-clear subterranean pools. Surrounded by dense tropical vegetation, Anatakitaki remains a powerful symbol of Atiu's natural beauty and the resilience of its people throughout the centuries.
- Location: Cook Islands
- Top sights: Mapumai Swamp · Areora Village · Mapumai Village
- Nearby: Takaue (47 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 210 | 217 | 172 | 166 | 138 | 58 | 69 | 65 | 71 | 93 | 150 | 204 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Anatakitaki Cave on Atiu can be visited, but only with a local guide. Access is via a narrow trail, and a torch is essential inside the cave.
Typical hours
The cave is usually accessible during daylight hours, with tours typically starting in the morning or late afternoon. Advance booking with local guides on Atiu is strongly recommended.
Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the cave, but flash should be avoided to avoid disturbing the wildlife. The Kopeka birds are particularly sensitive to bright lights.
Time needed
A visit to the cave including the walk to and from takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. At least 45 minutes should be allocated for the cave exploration itself.
Combine with
Combine the cave visit with exploring Atiu island, such as the coffee plantations and the bird sanctuary. A trip to Oneroa beach is also worthwhile.
Getting there
The cave is in central Atiu and accessible only via unpaved roads. A 4WD vehicle is helpful; most visitors are driven by their accommodation host or take a local taxi.
Insider tip
Wear sturdy shoes and long trousers as the trail can be slippery and the cave muddy. Bring a torch with spare batteries - guides have lamps, but your own is more reliable.
Geography
Facts
- The cave is about 100 meters long.
- It is home to the coconut crab (Birgus latro).
- The cave maintains a constant temperature of 25 °C.
- Archaeological evidence shows use from 1,000 years ago.
- The underground river runs about 200 meters below ground.
- The cave was opened to the public in 2003.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Anatakitaki Cave (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is Anatakitaki Cave famous?
It is home to the Kopeka bird, which orients itself using echolocation like a bat.
How difficult is the hike to the cave?
Moderately difficult; you hike over sharp Makatea coral rocks through the jungle.
Do you need a guide for the cave?
Yes, a guide is mandatory on Atiu, as the path in the jungle is hard to find.
What should you bring with you?
Sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and plenty of water are essential.
Can you swim in the cave?
Yes, there is a crystal-clear freshwater pool inside where you can take a dip.
Anatakitaki Cave: where is it located?
Anatakitaki Cave is located in Cook Islands.
Anatakitaki Cave: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mapumai Swamp, Areora Village, Mapumai Village.
Anatakitaki Cave: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Anatakitaki Cave: why is it worth visiting?
Anatakitaki Cave, located on the island of Atiu in the Cook Islands, is a spectacular natural site that has a unique blend of ecology and ancient history.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Oceania
More places in Cook Islands →
Nearby cities
Nikao
Nikao is a busy village located west of the capital, Avarua.
Avarua
Avarua is the capital of the Cook Islands, situated on the northern coast of Rarotonga.
Matavera
Matavera is a quiet village on the eastern coast of Rarotonga.
Ngatangiia
Ngatangiia is a historic village in the east of Rarotonga.
Areora
Areora is one of the five main villages on the island of Atiu.
Takaue
Takaue is the only inhabited village on the island of Mitiaro.
Oiretumu
Oiretumu is the central administrative settlement of Mauke island.
Oneroa
Oneroa is the largest village on Mangaia island, the southernmost island of the group.
Vaipae
Vaipae is a large village on the island of Aitutaki, often referred to as 'Hollywood'.
Arutanga
Arutanga is the main settlement and primary port of Aitutaki island.
History & landmarks
Atiu
Atiu is a 'makatea' island with a volcanic rock core surrounded by a ring of uplifted fossilized coral limestone.
Mitiaro
This low island has two large brackish water lakes in its center, surrounded by fossilized coral limestone walls.
🗺️
Mauke
Mauke, also known as the garden island, captivates with fertile soils and dense flora.
Mangaia
Mangaia is the southernmost and second largest island in the group.
Te Vara Nui Village
A cultural landmark that showcases traditional Polynesian life and legends through architecture and staged performances.
Nature
🗺️
Takutea
This small, uninhabited island is an important nature reserve and a significant nesting site for tropical seabirds, especially the red-ta…
🗺️
Takutea Wildlife Sanctuary
Takutea is a small, uninhabited island dedicated to the protection of seabirds.
Manuae Marine Park
The uninhabited Manuae atoll is a critical sanctuary for sea turtles and sharks.
Manuae
An uninhabited twin atoll that represents a significant marine protected area.
🗺️
Atiu Bird Sanctuary
Atiu Island is famous for its caves where the rare Kopeka bird nests.
Rangimotia
Rangimotia is the highest point on the island of Mangaia, offering panoramic views over the central volcanic highlands.
🗺️
Lake Tiriara
A freshwater lake on the island of Mangaia, situated at the foot of the massive makatea limestone cliffs.
Aitutaki Giant Clam Reserve
In the Aitutaki lagoon, endangered giant clams are farmed and protected.
More places
Atiu Coffee Factory
On the island of Atiu, this factory processes high-quality Arabica coffee grown in the island's fertile volcanic soil.
Mauke Biodiversity Forest
On the garden island of Mauke, rare pandanus trees and endemic orchids grow.
🗺️
Ziona Church Mauke
Ziona Church on Mauke is known for its architectural division into two sides.
Mangaia Pineapple Plantations
The volcanic soils of Mangaia are ideal for pineapple cultivation, which was formerly a major export product of the island.
Te-Kai-Nuku Marae
Te-Kai-Nuku is a significant ceremonial site on Mangaia Island.
Aitutaki Airport
This airport, built during World War II, is the logistical lifeline for the tourism sector on Aitutaki.
Arutanga Church
The Arutanga Church on Aitutaki was completed in 1828.
Arutanga CICC Church
The oldest Christian church in the Cook Islands is located on Aitutaki.