A popular tourist destination, Atiu is well connected to the rest of the Cook Islands. You can get here easily by air and by boat, making traveling here quite simple and hassle free. Many travel agencies in Rarotonga can help you with organizing flight and accommodation packages to Atiu, either as a stand-alone destination or as part of an island hopping tour. Cheap and affordable, island hoping tours are a great way to explore the Cook Islands.

If you are interested in getting to Atiu by air, Air Rarotonga flies here regularly from Monday to Saturday. There are air routes to Atiu from both Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Many flights from Atiu also go on to land at Mitiaro and Mauke as well, as there are no direct flights to these islands. In Atiu, the Air Rarotonga office is located in the town of Mapumai. The Atiu airstrip sits in the north of the island along the coast and is a short ride away from the island’s center.

You can also get to Atiu via an inter-island cargo ship. Mataroa Shiipign and Taio Shipping both offer passenger services to Atiu from Rarotonga, however, this boat also stops at Mangaia, Mauke and Mitiaro along the way. It is a four day long journey as Atiu is the last stop before the ferry head back to Rarotonga.

Getting around Atiu is actually quite easy, as mostly everything you need is located in the center of the island. If you wish to tour Atiu in its entirety, you will need to rent some kind of transport like a motor bike or bicycle. Atiu has a number of walking trials that are worth exploring on foot, but be sure to take a map with you as you can get lost easily. Are Manuiri rents four-wheel drives, while if you want to travel in comfort, you can rent a taxi from Clara George.

To get to the airstrip and back most hotels and lodges on the island charge a NZ$ 12 fee.