Atiu, Cook Islands

Population 572
10.4 sq. mls/26.9 sq. kms

Atui, the third largest and third most visited of the Cook Islands, is about half the size of Rarotonga. Legend says Tangaroa, the divine god of the sea, was the first inhabitant of Atiu. Captain Cook was the first European to sight the island on 31 March, 1777.

The island is also known as Enuamanu which means land of the birds. More species live there than on any of the other islands, and they include some of the world's rarest.

CONSERVATION IN ACTION
The Rarotonga Flycatcher (Pomarea dimidiata) is officially classified as an endangered species. But a few years ago, it was on the verge of extinction. Then between 2001 and 2003, 30 of the remaining birds were transferred from Rarotonga where they were prey to the ship rat, to Atiu where the predator doesn't exist. Thanks to careful conservation management, there are now thought to be about 200 birds in existence. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resource has more information.

Photo courtesy of the Cook Islands Biodiversity Database, copyright CINHP/GMcCormack

The kopeka (pronounced coo-peak-a) or Atiu Swiflet is Atiu's signature bird, and just like a bat, it can navigate in pitch blackness. It builds its nest deep in between the stalactites of two caves on the island where it lives, and finds its way around using the echo of a unique clicking sound that it makes. Experts estimate there are no more than 500 birds, but the population is stable. Source: Cook Islands Biodiversity Website

THE BIRDMAN OF ATIU
Birdman George (right) will show you the Flycather and all the other birds of Atiu in a 2 hour tour costing NZ$20 (UK£8, US$15, 10 Euros). He's employed by the Takitumu Conservation Area to look after the birds. George also does an island tour which takes in burial caves, ancient trails, the different types of plants and their uses and the beaches. It takes three to six hours, includes a picnic and costs NZ$25-35 (UK£10, US$23, 14 Euros) Currency conversions are approximate and for guidance only

GUESTS NOT TOURISTS
Tourism is still in its infancy, but the island is easily accessible now by air, with flights from both Rarotonga and Aitutaki. And you can expect to be treated more as a guest than a tourist.

The people of Atiu have created their own web site which tells you everything you could possibly want to know about the island, the residents and their lifestyle. There are also plenty of pictures, details of accommodation and an airline timetable. A credit to the islanders and very highly recommended!

The pictures - unless otherwise acknowledged - are courtesy of Atiu's own web site

Southern Group
116 miles/186 kms
North East of Rarotonga

Atiu was once a volcano which sank leaving a coral reef around a low plateau. 100,000 years ago, volcanic action pushed it up killing the reef and creating a razor sharp band of coral called a makatea. The makatea runs around the island ranging in width from 50 to 100 metres. Low cliffs, 3 to 6 metres high surround the island, but there are many recesses in which small sandy coves are found.

Limestone caves are found all over the makatea. Some are used as ancient burial sites and others, like this one, are water filled and ideal for a refreshing swim. Picture courtesy of Pacific Expeditions Ltd

Atiu's five villages of Areora, Ngatiarua, Teenui, Mapumai and Tengatangi form a man-like figure in the centre of island.
Image courtesy of MODIS Rapid Response Project at NASA/GSFC

COFFEE COUNTRY

Coffee really does grow on trees in Atiu and the Islanders are justly proud of their produce. "Atiu Coffee" is one of two types unique to the Island and it's known as a gourmet variety in many parts of the world. The Atiu Coffee Factory also has a coffee tour available that ends with you drinking cups of coffee in the Atiu Fibre Arts Studio. "Atiu Island Coffee" is produced by Mata Arai in the Atiu traditional method of roasting in coconut cream over an open fire. Take Mata's tour and learn how to process your own coffee and enjoy fire roasted coffee with coconut cream and pikelets (and if anyone from Staffordshire, England is reading this...yes, they're similar to the pikelets you get back home!).

Photographs courtesy of Summerfield Systems, Rarotonga

WORLD CLASS
And if you're still not sure Atiu is a very special place, maybe the United Nations can convince you. The World Heritage Convention which is part of the UN organisation, UNESCO is considering the island and its its uninhabited neighbour, Takutea, as a world heritage site because of its outstanding natural beauty and cultural life.

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CAVES, CORAL AND..THE BIRD THAT THINKS IT'S A BAT!

ATIU MADE EASY...AND AN INSIGHT INTO ISLANDS' HISTORY

A visit to Atiu could give you a chance to find out more about someone who has a unique place in Cook Islands history. The island is home to Jeanne Humphreys, the daughter of Tom Neale (left) who became world famous as the "Hermit of Suwarrow". Tom spent 15 years living alone on the remote Northern group island and told his story in the fascinating book "An Island to Oneself".

Jeanne and her husband, Marshall (pictured right) run Atiu Tours and Homestays. And they make a visit to Atiu easy as they can arrange everything for you from acommodation to tours, and flights to the island. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Find out more at their website