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. It may be small and have a tiny population. But there is 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!
10 Top Things To Do in Mitiaro, Cook Islands
Here are our some of our favourite things we found while exploring Mitiaro, Cook Islands.
1. Explore the Island Road Coastal Loop
The best way to get your bearings is to drive the unpaved road that circles the entire island. It offers stunning views of the rugged coastline and the island’s natural landscape.
- Keep an eye out: As you head from the airport toward the main village, you’ll pass the local school and the island hospital.
- Pro Tip: The view of the island from the air as you fly in is spectacular—have your camera ready!
2. Shop Local at the Village Market
If you are traveling with a group, the Island Council often organizes a welcome lunch and a small market at the village hall.
- What to buy: Look for exquisite handmade weaving, traditional tivaevae (quilts), and colorful pareu (sarongs). It’s a meaningful way to support the local artisans and take a piece of Mitiaro home with you.
3. Visit Pa’s Store
You can’t miss this bright pink landmark—it’s the only shop on the island! While it serves as the local petrol station and bank transfer hub, the real draw is the hospitality.
- The Experience: Run by a friendly local family, this store surprisingly stocks almost everything you could need. Stop in to stock up on supplies and enjoy a chat with the owners.
4. The Healing Waters of Vai Marere
Mitiaro is home to the only underground sulfur cave in the Cook Islands. Known for its iconic green-tinted water, Vai Marere is famous for its natural healing properties. Many visitors make this their very first stop to touch the “magical” waters.
5. Jump in at Vai Nauri
As the island’s largest freshwater cave and most popular swimming hole, Vai Nauri is a must-see for locals and tourists alike.
- Local Custom: It is traditional (and safer) for first-time visitors to go with a local guide. They will show you the best spots to jump in and may perform a special welcome chant before you take the plunge.
6. Marvel at the Twin Lakes
Te Rotonui (“Big Lake”) and Te Rotoiti (“Small Lake”) are stunning geographical features that cover nearly three-quarters of Mitiaro’s land mass.
- The Wildlife: These freshwater lakes are the habitat for itiki (freshwater eel)—a local delicacy—and A’va (milkfish).
- Conservation: To protect these species, a ra’ui (traditional conservation ban) is often in place to prevent overfishing, but you can still spot the milkfish swimming near the water’s edge.
7. Wander Through the Harbour
Take a scenic stroll through the village of Nukuroa down to the island’s harbour. It is a peaceful spot to admire the traditional vaka (canoes) used for local fishing. If you walk out onto the wharf, you’ll likely find friendly locals casting lines and happy to have a chat.
8. Visit the Betella CICC Mitiaro Church
Mitiaro has three main churches (CICC, Catholic, and Assembly of God), but the CICC Betella Church is a standout with its beautiful white architecture.
- Service Times: Sunday services typically begin at 10:00 AM.
- Etiquette: Visitors are welcome, but please wear modest attire (shoulders and knees covered).
- Photography: You are free to take photos of the building’s exterior, but out of respect, photography is not permitted inside or during the service.
9. Visit the Local Mitiaro School
The island’s small school hosts about 40 students ranging from early childhood 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.
- Tip: 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. Experience Mitiaro’s Hospitality
We’ve saved the best for last! The locals of Mitiaro are friendly, welcoming, curious and extremely hospitable.
While many locals spend their mornings fishing or working, the village centre comes alive in the late afternoon. It’s the perfect time to meet the residents, watch the kids play, and experience the slow, beautiful pace of island life.
Where to Stay in Mitiaro: Divine Retreat
The main accommodation on Mitiaro is the beautiful home and studios of Divine Retreat. This modern, spacious property is hosted by Cindy and Junior, whose warm hospitality and exceptional cooking makes for a seriously memorable stay 🙂
- Accommodation Options: The retreat offers private bedrooms within the main house as well as external studios, making it a perfect choice for solo travellers, couples, or families.
- Exploring the Island: To help you get around, Cindy and Junior can arrange a rental car or a motorbike.
- Guided Experiences: If you prefer a more structured visit, they can also organise guided island tours. This is a great way to discover Mitiaro’s hidden gems!
Get in touch by email to book accommodation in Mitiaro:
- Email Divine Retreat: cindyannaabraham@gmail.com
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Links For Your Travels in Pacific & Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Make sure you have insurance before embarking on travel anywhere in the world!