Land of the birds
One of the smaller volcanic pearls in the heart of the South Pacific , Atiu is part of the southern Cook Islands. With a lush green interior framed by mysterious caves, sharp cliffs, pristine beaches and beautiful limestone coral reefs or "makatea," the resurrected atoll is a nature lover's paradise.
Enuamanu
Atiu is nicknamed Enuamanu, which means as much as "land of birds. It owes this name to the enormous wealth of tropical bird species that have found their home here including the white-capped noddy, brown gent, tavake bird, great frigatebird and blue kingfisher. Also flitting about here are the endangered kakerori and the colorful kura.
Ancient caves
Another reason to visit the island is the spectacular limestone caves. These are carved and eroded by fresh and salt water, and some of them contain pools of artesian water that create inviting swimming holes. A walk through the dense tropical jungle along the coastline leads to the magical-looking Anatakitaki Cave. Here you enter a world where stalactites and stalagmites create an otherworldly atmosphere, you can swim in a candle-lit freshwater lake and have a chance to see the very rare native kopeka bird - or Atiu swallow. This particular species of bird has a sonar system so it can hunt in the darkness.
Island Life
Apart from the bird caves, Atiu and its small community offers a relaxed island life that invites you to immerse yourself in the unhurried rhythm of the Pacific Ocean. Take hours of beach walks, go for extensive snorkeling and take ample time for home-brewed fruit beer in tumunu's. Enjoy an island paradise where time seems to have stood still. Where the world can't find you...