To me, the small island of Mitiaro epitomises Pacific Island life, people, community and landscape. It is simply stunning and truly, a little-known paradise in the Pa Enua of the Cook Islands.
If you’ve been to the Cook Islands you will know how different all of the fifteen main islands are, and certainly Mitiaro stands out with its own unique history and island-scape. There’s plenty to do while exploring the island.
Mitiaro harbours some of the most stunning subterranean caves and swimming holes in the South Pacific. The island has two freshwater estuary lakes, multiple churches, a beautiful harbour and a coastal road that’s perfect to circle and find your bearings.
We hope you get the opportunity to visit Mitiaro (if you do; grab it with both hands!).
Here are our some of our favourite things we found while exploring Mitiaro, Cook Islands.
1. Drive the island road
Aside from getting a pretty darn good view of the island as you fly in (read: incredible), one of our favourite things to do in a new place is to just head out and find our bearings.
There is a beautiful coastal road that loops around the entire island of Mitiaro. It’s not a paved road, but it’s accessible and a good way to start exploring the island.
Note: You do also cover a small distance of the road when first arriving if heading into the main village from the airport. Keep an eye out for the school and the island hospital as you drive past.
2. Buy something at the local market
If you are visiting with a group you are especially in luck as the chances are the island council will put on a welcome lunch and small market at the main hall in the village.
It’s a great way to meet some of the locals and to support their handicraft by buying some of the amazing weaving, bags, tivaevae and pareu that they make on Mitiaro.
3. Stop in at Pa’s Store
The bright pink Pa’s Store is the only shop on the entire island. There’s a petrol pump, a place to make bank transfers back to Rarotonga and that’s kind of about it… But the best thing about this little shop is the friendly family that runs the store.
And it quite seriously seems to stock everything you could possibly need!
Be sure to stop in and say hi.
4. Visit Vai Marere
The iconic green waters of Vai Marere are Mitiaro’s treasured underground sulphur cave.
It is the only sulphur cave in the Cook Islands and is renowned for it’s healing properties. Visitors to the small island often head their first to touch the magical waters for themselves…
5. Jump in at Vai Nauri
Vai Nauri is the largest freshwater cave and swimming hole on the island and is the most popular sight for visitors to Mitiaro. (It is also immensely popular with locals).
It is customary for first time visitors to visit Vai Nauri with a local first. This is for safety reasons (they will show you where to enter and where you can jump in) as well as to experience a special welcome chant before leaping in.
6. The twin lakes of Te Rotonui and Te Rotoiti
Te Roto Nui means big lake and Te Rotoiti means small. These twin lakes are an impressive site from the plane window as make up almost three quarters of the islands land mass.
The freshwater of the lakes is home to the A’va (milk fish) and itiki (fresh water eel) which is a traditional delicacy on the island. Nowadays there is often a ra’ui (conservation) placed on the lake to prevent over fishing but it is possible to see the milk fish from the edge of the lake.
7. Explore the harbour
The island harbour and the stroll through Nukuroa to get there is truly beautiful.
Check out the small vaka used for fishing. And if you wander right down to the water you will likely meet some of the friendly locals fishing straight off the wharf.
8. Visit the church
There are three churches in Mitiaro:
- Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC)
- Catholic
- Assembly of God (AOG).
The beautiful white CICC Betella Church is located right in the centre of the main village with a Sunday service at 10am.
Be sure to dress appropriately for the church service with shoulder covering and knee length attire.
- Note: photos of the inside and Sunday service are not permitted, but photos of the outside are fine.
9. Visit the school
The friendly little school of Mitiaro has a roll of around 40 children from ECE up to Year 10. Having grown up and attended school in the Pacific Islands myself, I am always curious to see different schools in any of the places we see. Check with your host if it’s a good day to visit the school in Mitiaro and swap some stories with the local kids.
10. Meet the locals
We’ve saved the best for last! The locals of Mitiaro are friendly, welcoming, curious and extremely hospitable.
During the day they might be out fishing or seemingly out of sight, but every afternoon and early evening seemed the perfect time to play with local kids and meet people in the centre of the village.
Where to stay in Mitiaro
The main accommodation on Mitiaro is the beautiful home and studios of Divine Retreat.
Cindy and Junior are your friendly hosts and will ensure you have a truly memorable (and seriously delicious) stay on the island.
Their home is spacious and modern with private bedrooms and external studios suitable for a single traveller, couple or family.
They are able to arrange a rental vehicle or motorbike to explore the island or can organise an island tour so you can be shown around by a local guide.
- Get in touch by email: cindyannaabraham@gmail.com
Read more about the Cook Islands
- Reef walk in Rarotonga with Ariimoana Walkabouts.
- The Needle: A guide to Rarotonga’s famous Cross Island walk.
- Moving to Rarotonga: Everything you need to know.
- Raemaru Mountain: The easiest hike on Rarotonga?
- 20 AWESOME things to do in Rarotonga with kids.
- How many have you tried? 20 unique fruits of Rarotonga.
