Personal Impressions
The "land of the birds" has the kopeka (pictured above) as its signature species. It's unique to the island and at the airport, you're welcomed not only to Atiu, but also to the "island of the kopeka". You don't have to be a "twitcher" though to enjoy Atiu because it has much more to offer than just bird watching.
HOW THE KOPEKA GOT ITS NAME?
I love this story even though it's almost certainly not true! Centuries ago, an islander spotted the bird from a distance and thought it was a peeka which is a Maori word for bat. He exclaimed: "Coo! Peeka" and that's how the bird got its name! :-)
I love this story even though it's almost certainly not true! Centuries ago, an islander spotted the bird from a distance and thought it was a peeka which is a Maori word for bat. He exclaimed: "Coo! Peeka" and that's how the bird got its name! :-)
Rush hour on Atiu! The roundabout is one of only two in the whole of the Cook Islands (the other one's on Rarotonga). It's hard to see why it and the four roadsigns are really needed.
This marker is at the very centre of the island. It was erected more than 100 years ago but sophisticated 21st century technology has etablished it's in exactly the right place
LIFE'S A BEACH
Some will tell you the island has no beaches to speak off, but that's far from true. This one is dubbed the bondi of Atiu. The sand is bone white, the water crystal clear and in the shallows you see it teeming with life. The sunset can also be stunning.
Picnic on the beach with Marshall Humphreys...even the Lonely Planet guide sings the praises of his banana muffins! The food is included in his round the island tour which I can't recommend too highly. Marshall is incredibly knowledgeable about the island and genuinely cares about its people and history. You can also stay in the home he and his wife, Jeanne have built on the island where you'll be treated like one of the family. Find out more at his own website.
Above left and right: fossils abound in the old coral; the colourful start of a new coral reef.
It may look a bit scary, but this skull is one of many found in caves all over the island that were formerly used as burial grounds. Visits are very popular and I can assure they're not in the least bit gruesome. Marshall Humphreys (see below) will give you a safe and informative tour.
ART FROM THE HEART
Andrea Eimke is an extremely talented artist who has set up her studio on Atiu and a visit to it is a must. Her canvas is textiles and she's an expert in the traditional Cook Islands art of tivaivai, which means patchwork. Above are some examples of her stunning work. The one far right combines tradition with modern design and was Andrea's entry in the annual Tivaivai exhibition on Rarotonga in 2007. You can find out more about her studio on her own web site.
The church plays an important part in daily life on Atiu, as it does throughout the Cook Islands. The walls of this one are more than 10 feet thick.
The island is rich in greenery and fantastic flowers
WOULDN'T YOU BE HAPPY IF YOU LIVED HERE?
I'm including this picture for no other reason than I'm really proud of it. These young islanders were just sitting around chatting happily to each other on a bagggage wagon at Atiu airport when I photogaphed them. I think it captures perfectly the charm of Atiu and its people.
I'm including this picture for no other reason than I'm really proud of it. These young islanders were just sitting around chatting happily to each other on a bagggage wagon at Atiu airport when I photogaphed them. I think it captures perfectly the charm of Atiu and its people.
POINTERS TO PARADISE:
RAROTONGA AITUTAKI SITE MAP HOME SURPRISE ME!
OR FIND YOUR OWN PIECE OF PARADISE USING THE MENU ON THE LEFT
RAROTONGA AITUTAKI SITE MAP HOME SURPRISE ME!
OR FIND YOUR OWN PIECE OF PARADISE USING THE MENU ON THE LEFT
