So… are we actually allowed to swing on them?” I asked hopefully, gesturing towards the vertical hanging roots of Mauke Island’s giant banyan tree. There was a pause before Clem’s face broke into a grin.
“Of course,” he said. “You’re allowed to do stuff like that here. I’ve been doing it since before you were born.”
The kids went first. Trillian yelled, “Higher, higher!” while I looked away with peak mother-level anxiety as the grown-ups gave them a big push. When I finally couldn’t watch any longer, I announced loudly, “My turn again!”
That moment sums up Mauke Island perfectly. Unspoilt, welcoming, a little wild and refreshingly free of rules that don’t really matter.
If you’re looking for things to do on Mauke Island, this guide covers the must-see natural attractions, local experiences, where to stay, and how to get there. Especially if you’re travelling as a family and want something far more memorable than a resort holiday.
Things to do on Mauke Island in the Cook Islands
Swing from the roots of a giant Banyan Tree
The banyan tree on Mauke is reportedly one of the largest in the South Pacific… and standing beneath it, that claim feels entirely believable. Its roots spread so widely that it feels like you’re standing in a forest rather than under one single tree.
Some roots are thick enough to climb, and others hang thin and rope-like. Locals (like Clem) will happily show you which ones are strong enough to swing from – something generations of Mauke kids have been doing for decades.
Explore deserted beaches and hidden coves
Mauke’s coastline is defined by rugged makatea cliffs (fossilised coral), but tucked between them are countless little coves with crystal-clear water and not another soul in sight. The best way to find them is to hire a scooter and ride the 18 kilometres around the Circle Island Road, stopping at any interesting track you see heading towards the beach.
With a population of only around 300 people, even the “popular” spots feel wonderfully empty. It’s the kind of place where you stop expecting to see other people, but that’s exactly the point.
Swim in a freshwater cave pool
Mauke is a dream for wild swimmers. Vai Tango Cave is the most easily accessible and one of Mauke’s most popular freshwater pools. After the rain, the water in the cave pool can be murky, but when it’s clear, it’s spectacular.
Visit the Divided Church
Built in 1882, Mauke’s Ziona Church (the Divided Church) is one of the most unusual churches you’ll ever step inside.
A disagreement between villages over how the interior should be decorated led to a wall being built straight down the middle, with each side finished in a different style. The wall is long gone, but the division is still striking – so much so that the minister stands with a foot on either side of the invisible line.
Float in a saltwater cave pool
Stroll to Kopu Po’oki (Stomach Rock) to experience a saltwater pool in the marine reserve. High tide is too dangerous to be caught in an ocean rock pool, so it’s best to visit during low tide. Make sure to wear reef shoes or some old walking shoes that you don’t mind getting wet, as the makatea (raised fossilised coral) is sharp underfoot.
Find the shipwreck
Part of the fun of Mauke is discovering things rather than being led to them and the Te Kou Maru shipwreck is a perfect example. Wrecked on the reef in 2010, it’s now partially embedded in the makatea. Your mission is to spot it from the Circle Island Road, peeking through thick coastal greenery.
I won’t tell you exactly where it is because half the fun is finding it.
Slow down and embrace island life
Beyond the attractions, Mauke’s biggest drawcard is its atmosphere. There’s virtually no traffic, wild goats and pigs outnumber cars, and everyone has time for a chat. Gardens are immaculate, fruit grows everywhere, and island time takes over very quickly.
We planned to stay four nights and wished we’d stayed longer.
Swim in the Harbour
The harbour is a favourite hang-out for local kids and once you arrive, you’ll quickly understand why.
The reef is too shallow for a proper swim around Mauke Island, but the protected harbour walls create a calm, deep water haven that’s perfect for floating, swimming, or snorkelling. It’s clean, clear, and feels like a natural aquarium if you duck dive down for a closer look.
How to get to Mauke Island and get around
Mauke Island is reached by a short flight from Rarotonga with Air Rarotonga.
All international flights land in Rarotonga first. Flights arrive from:
- New Zealand – search flights from New Zealand
- Australia – search flights from Australia
- Los Angeles – search flights from LA
- Tahiti – search flights from Tahiti
Flights from Rarotonga to Mauke are limited, so it’s best to plan ahead. Some travellers opt for short-stay excursion packages, but Mauke is best enjoyed slowly. Give yourself at least a few nights if you can.
Once on the island, getting around is easy:
- Scooters are the most common option
- Cars and utes can be arranged through your accommodation
- Kids riding double on scooters or sitting in ute trays is normal here
- Speeds rarely exceed 30km/h
Where to stay on Mauke Island
For an island that sees so few visitors, accommodation on Mauke is surprisingly comfortable. We stayed at Ri’s Retreat, a cute little self-contained unit located near the airport and Makatea Cliffs. We booked this through Island Hopper Vacations. There are several units on site, and the host lives nearby, which means you benefit from:
- Help organising a vehicle
- Fresh fruit mysteriously appearing in your fridge
- Drinking coconuts dropped off “just because”
When you don’t feel like cooking, the local store café serves up very decent burgers and chips and doubles as a great place to meet locals.
Why Mauke Island is so special
Mauke Island isn’t flashy. It doesn’t have resorts, kids’ clubs, or nightlife …and that’s exactly why it’s so special. It feels like a comfortable adventure.
It’s an island where:
- Kids climb trees and swim in caves
- Strangers become friends
- Time slows down
- Experiences feel genuinely earned, not curated
If you’re looking for meaningful, active, family-friendly things to do in the Cook Islands, Mauke Island might just steal your heart the way it did ours.
YouTube: Mauke Island highlights
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