If you’re looking for a Cook Islands destination that feels untouched, unhurried, and wonderfully real, Atiu might just steal your heart. This small outer island is perfect for families who love nature, space to roam, and experiences that don’t revolve around resorts or kids’ clubs. With dramatic makatea cliffs, hidden coves, caves, wildlife, and barely any traffic, Atiu is the kind of place where kids can be kids and parents can actually relax.
Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Atiu, as well as where to stay and how to get there.
Things to do on the island of Atiu in the Cook Islands
Explore the dramatic makatea coastline
Atiu’s coastline is pretty unique in that the island is ringed by makatea (fossilised coral) cliffs, rising up to six metres high in places, with small white-sand coves tucked between them.
The fringing reef sits close to shore (often less than 50 metres out), creating calm, shallow lagoon areas that are perfect for splashing about, floating, and watching marine life drift past. Every cove feels like your own private beach, because most of the time, it is. Which brings us to our favourite thing to do on the island of Atiu in the Cook Islands…
Find your own deserted cove
One of the simplest and most memorable things to do in Atiu is also the best: pull over, follow a sandy track, and discover a deserted beach.
These tiny coves are ideal for families. The shallow water makes it easy for kids to explore, while the makatea cliffs are full of little pockets that hide hermit crabs and coral fragments. Add in warm water and total quiet, and you’ve got hours of entertainment without trying.
Ride the Circle Island Road by scooter
At just 28km around, Atiu’s unsealed circular island road is made for exploring by scooter. The ride takes you past coconut groves, rainforest pockets, rugged coastline, and countless little walking tracks leading to the sea.
Traffic is almost non-existent. With a population of around 400, “peak hour” might involve passing one other scooter and exchanging a wave. The biggest hazards are fallen coconuts, wild goats, and pigs.
Kids are commonly allowed to ride on the back of scooters in the Cook Islands. Locals often secure younger children with a pareo (sarong), and speeds rarely creep over 30km/h.
Swim at the Atiu Harbour
The harbour is the only safe deep-water swimming spot on the island, and it’s a social hub for locals.
After school, kids gather here to jump from the concrete walls into the clear water below, while adults sit nearby chatting. For visiting families, it’s a great place for kids to meet other kids and for parents to soak up everyday island life.
Tip: Wear reef shoes or socks when climbing out, as the ramp can be slippery.
Explore Anatakitaki Cave (with a guide)
Visiting Anatakitaki Cave is one of the absolute highlights of Atiu.
This vast, cathedral-like cave is filled with stalactites, stalagmites, towering chambers, and banyan roots that spill down from the jungle above. Deep inside, there’s even a freshwater cave pool, where you can swim by candlelight – an unforgettable experience.
The cave is also the only known home of the Kopeka bird (Atiuan Swiftlet), a rare species found nowhere else in the world. These birds never land outside of the cave and navigate in complete darkness using echolocation like a bat.
Cave visits must be done with a local guide, as they’re located on family land. We highly recommend going. This experience alone is worth the trip to Atiu; however, it’s not suitable for younger kids.
Watch for whales from the clifftops (July-October)
Between July and October, humpback whales migrate past Atiu’s reef.
One of the best spots to watch is just past the airport, where the makatea cliffs offer a high vantage point over the ocean. Locals say whales come incredibly close, sometimes rubbing against the underwater coral to scratch barnacles from their skin.
Spot wild goats and pigs
Wild goats and pigs roam freely across Atiu and Mauke. While they’re considered pests locally, they’re a novelty for visitors – especially kids.
Beeping them gently off the road while cruising by scooter quickly becomes a favourite game, and spotting animals helps keep little riders entertained between beach stops.
Drink locally grown Atiu Coffee
Atiu is home to organically grown, hand-picked coffee, widely regarded as some of the best in the Pacific.
Production is small-scale these days, but you can still enjoy a cup while chatting with locals. It’s one of those simple island pleasures – coffee grown just down the road, shared without fuss.
Watch the sunset from your own cove
Sunset in Atiu is quiet, slow, and magical. As the sun descends towards the horizon, the reef comes alive with movement. From a calm cove, you can watch waves crash onto the reef just offshore while the lagoon remains glassy and still. If you’re lucky, you might spot a local fisherman silhouetted against the sky, barefoot on the reef edge.
Enjoy produce straight from the tree
There’s very little fresh produce sold in shops on Atiu (mostly shelf products) because everyone grows their own.
Ask at your accommodation where to find fruit and vegetables, and you’ll likely be handed produce straight from someone’s garden. Coconuts are everywhere and free for the taking.
If you get the chance, make yourself a bowl of fresh Atiu fruit salad topped with grated coconut. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Grab a burger at the Super Brown Store
Head down to the Super Brown Store in ‘town’ for a burger. It’s a great opportunity to meet the locals, have a chat, and make some new friends. Also, the burgers are delicious.
Where to stay in Atiu, Cook Islands
Accommodation on Atiu is simple, affordable, and welcoming.
- Atiu Villas is ideal for families wanting the most comfort and facilities.
How to get to Atiu
- Fly from Rarotonga to Atiu on a short domestic flight onboard Air Rarotonga.
- Air Rarotonga offer a two-night package to Atiu.
YouTube – Island of Atiu, Cook Islands
FAQ – Island of Atiu, Cook Islands
Yes. Especially if you enjoy nature, quiet beaches, caves, and slow travel. Atiu is ideal for travellers who want an authentic island experience away from crowds, resorts, and busy tourist hubs.
Absolutely. Atiu is great for families with older kids who enjoy exploring, swimming, wildlife spotting, and scooter rides. The island is safe, relaxed, and very welcoming to children, though it’s better suited to active families than those wanting resort-style facilities.
We recommend staying at least 3-4 nights. This gives you enough time to explore the caves, ride the circle island road, enjoy multiple beaches, and settle into the island’s slower pace.
Top things to do in Atiu include exploring Anatakitaki Cave, swimming at the harbour, riding scooters around the island, discovering deserted coves, watching whales (July-October), and enjoying locally grown coffee and fresh produce.
Yes, guides are required to visit caves such as Anatakitaki Cave, as they are located on family land. Hiring a local guide is highly recommended and adds valuable cultural insight to the experience.
Atiu has very limited shopping and dining options. Most accommodation provides meals or kitchen facilities. Part of the charm of Atiu is its simplicity – fresh food, home-cooked meals, and island hospitality rather than restaurants and shops.
The most popular way to get around Atiu is by scooter. The island has very little traffic, low speeds, and a single main road that circles the island, making it easy and fun to explore independently.
The best time to visit Atiu is during the dry season from May to October. Whale watching is possible between July and October, while the warmer, wetter months offer lush landscapes and fewer visitors.
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