Takutea

Takutea is a small, uninhabited island located roughly 20 kilometers northwest of Atiu. Covering an area of just 1.2 square kilometers, this coral cay is an essential wildlife sanctuary, particularly for seabirds. It is home to the largest colony of red-tailed tropicbirds in the Cook Islands, as well as several species of boobies and frigatebirds. Access to the island is strictly regulated and traditionally managed by the people of Atiu through the Takutea Trust, ensuring the preservation of its fragile ecosystem. There are no permanent residents, and the dense forest of Pisonia and coconut palms remains largely untouched. Visitors who manage to land on its shores, usually with the permission of the Atiu island council, find a pristine environment where nature dictates the rules. The surrounding reef is treacherous, providing a natural defense against large-scale human interference.

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.

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.

Oneroa

Oneroa is the largest village on Mangaia island, the southernmost island of the group.

History & landmarks

Atiu

Atiu is a 'makatea' island with a volcanic rock core surrounded by a ring of uplifted fossilized coral limestone.

Anatakitaki Cave

Anatakitaki Cave served as a historic refuge for the people of Atiu.

Mitiaro

This low island has two large brackish water lakes in its center, surrounded by fossilized coral limestone walls.

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Mauke

Mauke, also known as the garden island, captivates with fertile soils and dense flora.

Te Vara Nui Village

A cultural landmark that showcases traditional Polynesian life and legends through architecture and staged performances.

Nature

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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.

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Atiu Bird Sanctuary

Atiu Island is famous for its caves where the rare Kopeka bird nests.

Aitutaki Giant Clam Reserve

In the Aitutaki lagoon, endangered giant clams are farmed and protected.

Aitutaki Lagoon

This vast, shallow lagoon is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and numerous small sand islands.

Maungapu

Maungapu is the highest point on the otherwise low-lying Aitutaki atoll, reaching 124 meters in elevation.

Muri Lagoon

This shallow section of the Rarotonga lagoon houses four small islands.

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.

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Ziona Church Mauke

Ziona Church on Mauke is known for its architectural division into two sides.

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.

Rarotonga Brewery

The brewery in Matavera produces locally brewed beer and is a significant player in the local beverage industry.

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Avana Valley

A deeply cut valley on Rarotonga through which the Avana River flows.