Atiu Island, also known as Enuamanu (land of the birds) lies 187 kilometres northeast of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands and has a population of around 500.
Do not expect any large hotels or five star services. However, travelers will be happy with the comfortable lodging at http://www.atiuvillas.com/. Each villa has a private verandah, cooking facilities, separate bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities and a feature not often seen elsewhere, a fully stocked larder which guests can use and pay for what they use on departure. Dinner is also offered at night - and if you are lucky to catch a fish during the day, they will cook it up for you.
There is a car available for rent at Atiu Villas if you'd like to self-explore. The Island is very small, so it won't take long to explore. A nice thing to do is to shimmy down the ancient lava cliffs to a private beach. Bring a bag, as the shells that wash up on this beach are nothing short of gorgeous.
If you're up for adventure, there are several options - "Bird Man George" will pick you up in his truck and give you a detailed tour of the Island. You'll learn about local wildlife, plants, fruits, beaches and local traditions. Bird Man may even scale up a tree and grab some green coconuts to drink, and he will most definitely lay out a fresh fruit picnic on a beach after sight seeing. He is employed by the Takitumu Conservation Area to look after the 30 Rarotongan Flycatchers (Kakerori) transferred to Atiu in the years 2001 to 2003, as part of the recovery programm for an endangered bird that was reduced to 29 birds on Rarotonga in 1992.
Birdman George lays out a beach picnic with local fruits.
Marshall Humphreys from Atiu Tours offers exciting cave tours to see the elusive Kopeka bird that flys in the dark like a bat, but uses clicking sounds for echo-location. He also offers the Burial Cave tour. Marshall has been given permission by locals to visit ancestral caves deep underground where relatives have been buried. Please be mindful that this is a unique tour where you are given the opportunity to visit a sacred site. You must not touch anything and be very mindful where you step. You don't want to step on someone's ancient Auntie!
The entry point into the Burial cave.
Dem' Bones!
There are also sharp stalactites on the ceiling of the tight caves which can cut you. Although you are provided with a headlamp, you must literally enter this cave by descending into a deep dark hole through some vines. This is a good tour for those who are not afraid of the dark, small cramped damp spaces, creepy crawlies and oh yeah, you are surrounded by human bones.
Bring long pants and sturdy shoes for any of the above Island tours.
Farming is a way of life. From harvesting coconuts, fruits, taro to fish farming (Tilapia) in fresh water mini-lakes like this one.
