Outer Cook Islands
Authentic island life flourishes on the three remote volcanic and coral islands of Atiu, Mangaia and Ma’uke, all less than an hours flight from Rarotonga. Atiu is over 8 million years old, the third largest island in the Cooks. With its taro gardens, forests and tiny secluded sandy coves, it is steeped in legend and rich in rare birds. The island is famed for its handmade quilts and ukuleles. Mangaia is estimated at 18 million years old and said to be the oldest island in Pacific. Explore caves, take a 4WD safari or go deepsea fishing. The market sells shell necklaces, handwoven pandanus bags, and succulent fresh fruit. Ma’uke has caves with freshwater pools to swim in, amazing fishing, and little stretches of white sand beaches to explore.
