Mitiaro Cook Islands – The Fourth Largest, but Unknown

Mitiaro is the fourth largest of the Cook Islands. However, it is one of the least known islands in the group. It sits close to two sister islands, Atiu and Mauke. The three islands go by the name collectively as Nga Pu Toru. The island itself sits at the top of an extinct volcano that thrust up from the ocean floor. The top is about four miles across. Like its sister islands, this one is ringed by cliffs of fossilized coral called makatea. Unlike its sister islands, this one is almost completely flat in the middle. It only rises to a maximum height of just over 35 feet.

Mitiaro is the only island in the Southern Cook Islands to contain large fresh water lakes. There are two of significant size: Rotonui and Rotoiti. These lakes teem with fresh water eels and prawns. The eels are a delicacy of the local diet. These lakes also play host to imported tilapia from Africa. The island also plays host to tiporo trees. Tiporo is a form of fragrant lime. Visitors often spend time in the caves that are under the makatea cliffs. There are beautiful cool fresh water pools great for swimming. Local marine life teems in the shallow pools off the coast at low tide.

Life in Mitiaro is more natural than in the larger islands where tourists visit quite often. In the past, the people of the island were often under attack from Atiu islanders. By the early part of the 1800’s, the population sat at less than one hundred. With the arrival of foreigners, life actually settled into a peaceful pace. That pace continues to remain to the present day. The people of the island maintain close ties and life revolves around the community. Technically the people live in four separate villages. However, the villages flow from one to the other along the western edge of the island. The current population is over 200 people as full time residents.

Getting to Mitiaro usually means a flight from Rarotonga. They happen a couple times a week or more often if demand rises. Most accommodations are basic, but more than comfortable. Food is usually not included in the accommodation costs. However, finding local food is not difficult. Most inhabitants can point you to the best places. The trip to this tiny island paradise is well worth the time to make. Many return again and again.