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Wreck of the SS Maitai

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Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)

Weather…

The wreck of the SS Maitai is a prominent maritime landmark situated on the coral reef protecting the harbor of Avarua on Rarotonga. This former passenger steamship met its end on Christmas Day in 1916 when a violent storm drove it onto the jagged reef while it was attempting to deliver mail and passengers. Over a century of exposure to the Pacific swells has broken down much of the hull, yet the massive engine components and the steam boiler still break the surface of the water, especially during low tide. The site has evolved into a lively artificial reef, making it a premier destination for snorkeling and shallow diving. Corals have encrusted the twisted iron remains, providing a sanctuary for a diverse array of tropical marine life. Located just a short distance from the main road in Avarua, the wreck features a hauntingly beautiful sight and serves as a testament to the navigational challenges faced by sailors.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262727262524232323242526
Rain mm1952021981661506277638395144175

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The wreck of the SS Maitai lies on the reef off Avarua and is partly exposed at low tide. Visitors can view it from the shore or carefully walk onto the reef at low water for a closer look.
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Typical hours
The wreck is visible at any time but best at low tide when machinery parts protrude from the water. Tide times change daily; check local tide tables to plan your visit.
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Photography
Photography is possible from a distance or close‑up at low tide; a telephoto lens helps for details from the shore. Be careful not to damage the reef environment - stay on firm ground.
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Time needed
Allow about 20-30 minutes to view the wreck from various angles and take photos. At low tide you can spend longer on the reef, but caution is essential.
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Combine with
The wreck is close to Avarua town centre, with museums, shops and restaurants. A walk along the waterfront promenade combines the visit with other sights.
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Getting there
The wreck is easily accessible from the coastal walkway in Avarua. Parking is available along the street or at the nearby harbour; the walk to the reef is short.
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Insider tip
Wear sturdy shoes or reef shoes if walking on the reef at low tide - the surface can be sharp and slippery. A tide calendar from the local tourist office is very helpful for planning.

Geography

Coordinates
-21.20150, -159.77120

Facts

  • Sank on October 2, 1907.
  • Wreck depth: 12–15 meters.
  • Ship length: 68 meters.
  • 13 fatalities, 50 survivors.
  • SS Maitai was a general cargo steamer of the Union Steam Ship Company.
  • Wreck was first officially surveyed as a dive site in 1970.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Avarua Cook Islands Christian ChurchAvarua Cook Islands Christian Church<1 km · SEExplore →
Marae Arai-te-tongaMarae Arai-te-tonga2 km · NEExplore →
MaungateaMaungatea3 km · EExplore →
NikaoNikao4 km · SExplore →
Rarotonga BreweryRarotonga Brewery4 km · NEExplore →
Te Manga Cloud ForestTe Manga Cloud Forest4 km · EExplore →
Te KouTe Kou5 km · EExplore →
Raemaru Forest ReserveRaemaru Forest Reserve5 km · SEExplore →

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 Wreck of the SS Maitai (10)

Galilea

Galilea is a Christian meeting place in Avarua used by the local community.

BCA Art Gallery🏛 museum

BCA Art Gallery in Avarua displays contemporary Pacific and local artworks.

Cook Islands Museum🏛 museum

Cook Islands Museum in Avarua exhibits items on the history and culture of the islands.

National Museum🏛 museum

National Museum is a museum in the Cook Islands with collections on the country's history.

Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church

Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church is a Protestant church building in Avarua.

Taputapuātea

Taputapuātea are ruins of a traditional marae complex on Rarotonga.

St. Joseph's Cathedral

St. Joseph's Cathedral is the Catholic cathedral in Avarua on Rarotonga.

The Little Red Gallery

The Little Red Gallery in Avarua is a small gallery with rotating art exhibitions.

Avatiu Harbour

Avatiu Harbour is the port of Avarua, a key hub for cargo and passengers.

Whale and Wildlife Centre

Whale and Wildlife Centre in Avarua educates about whales and Cook Islands wildlife.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you see the SS Maitai wreck from the beach?
Yes, parts of the wreck protrude from the water at low tide right in front of the Avarua reef.
Is it allowed to snorkel to the wreck?
Yes, but only when the sea is very calm, as currents at the reef can be dangerous.
When did the ship sink?
The SS Maitai ran aground on the reef in 1916.
Are there guided boat tours to the wreck?
Some glass-bottom boats go near the wreck to allow for a view.
How far is the wreck from the shore?
It is located about 100-200 meters from the shore, right on the reef edge.
Wreck of the SS Maitai: where is it located?
Wreck of the SS Maitai is located in Cook Islands.
Wreck of the SS Maitai: what is there to see?
Highlights include Galilea, BCA Art Gallery, Cook Islands Museum.
Wreck of the SS Maitai: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Wreck of the SS Maitai: why is it worth visiting?
The wreck of the SS Maitai is a prominent maritime landmark situated on the coral reef protecting the harbor of Avarua on Rarotonga.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Nikao — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
Nikao
Nikao is a busy village located west of the capital, Avarua.
Avarua — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
Avarua
Avarua is the capital of the Cook Islands, situated on the northern coast of Rarotonga.
Matavera — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
Matavera
Matavera is a quiet village on the eastern coast of Rarotonga.
Ngatangiia — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
Ngatangiia
Ngatangiia is a historic village in the east of Rarotonga.
Arorangi — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
Arorangi
Arorangi is a significant village on the western coast of Rarotonga.

History & landmarks

Punanga Nui Market — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
Punanga Nui Market
The Punanga Nui Market in Avarua is the commercial heart of Rarotonga, where local farmers and artisans sell their goods.
Rarotonga — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
Rarotonga
The most populous island of the Cook Islands is of volcanic origin and surrounded by a coral reef.
Te Vara Nui Village — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
Te Vara Nui Village
A cultural landmark that showcases traditional Polynesian life and legends through architecture and staged performances.

Nature

Ikurangi — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
Ikurangi
Ikurangi towers over the capital Avarua and is one of Rarotonga's most prominent landmarks due to its rugged profile.
Maungatea — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
Maungatea
Maungatea is a prominent peak on Rarotonga located west of the Cross-Island Track, dominating the Avatiu Valley.
Te Atukura — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
Te Atukura
Te Atukura is a significant peak in the rugged interior of Rarotonga, forming part of the Te Manga mountain massif.
Te Rua Manga — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
Te Rua Manga
Also known as 'The Needle', this prominent rock pinnacle is one of the most recognizable geological landmarks on Rarotonga.
Te Rua Manga (The Needle) — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
Te Rua Manga (The Needle)
A prominent rock spire in the center of Rarotonga that towers above the surrounding rainforest.
Te Manga — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
Te Manga
Te Manga is the highest peak on the island of Rarotonga and the entire Cook Islands.
Te Kou — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
Te Kou
Te Kou is the second highest elevation on Rarotonga, featuring a broad summit plateau with unique high-altitude flora.
🗺️
Takitumu Conservation Area
This protected area on Rarotonga was established to save the endemic Rarotonga Monarch.

More places

Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church
Built in 1853 using coral lime, this church serves as the historic religious center of the capital.
Para-O-Tane Palace — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
Para-O-Tane Palace
Para-O-Tane Palace is the historic seat of the Makea Nui Ariki.
Beachcomber Building — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
Beachcomber Building
This 1845 building was originally constructed as a mission school from coral stone.
National Museum of the Cook Islands — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
National Museum of the Cook Islands
The museum displays an extensive collection of Polynesian artifacts, traditional clothing, and historical sea charts.
CICC Avarua — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
CICC Avarua
The Avarua Christian Church was built in 1853 from coral limestone.
National Culture Centre — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
National Culture Centre
The center, named after Sir Geoffrey Henry, houses the National Archives and Library.
Takamoa Theological College — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
Takamoa Theological College
Founded in 1839, Takamoa College is the oldest theological school in the South Pacific.
Library and Museum Society — Wreck of the SS Maitai (Cook Islands)
Library and Museum Society
This volunteer-run institution preserves a significant collection of Pacific literature and historical artifacts in Avarua.