Mitiaro
Cook Islands · Southern Cook Islands · 10 m
Description
Mitiaro is the flattest and least visited of the Cook Islands that receive scheduled flights, a low raised coral island whose interior holds two shallow lakes rather than hills. The freshwater cave pools of Vai Nauri and Vai Marere lie under the makatea and are reached down worn steps, one of them faintly sulphurous. Lake Rotonui yields the itiki, a freshwater eel smoked and eaten as a delicacy. The whole population lives in one settlement of four joined villages. Pandanus is cut and dried along the roadside for the weaving the island is known for.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 3 to 7 days (optimal 4 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: April – October
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Vai Nauri and Vai Marere cave pools
- Lake Rotonui and the itiki eels
- Te Pare fort in the makatea
- Vai Tamaroa cave pool
- The four joined villages of the settlement
- Pandanus cutting and weaving
- Mitiaro Cook Islands Christian Church
- Island circuit track across the makatea
- Lake Roto and the inland swamp
- Coastal makatea cliffs and tide pools
- Sandy coves on the west coast
- Swamp and forest birdlife
Getting there
- Airports:
- MOI