When you come to Mitiaro, it is important that you bring with you a good pair of walking shoes to climb the sharp makatea. Also carry a torch, some food supplies and insect repellant with you. You will additionally need a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes as the crushed coral roads on Mitiaro are extremely reflective and bright.

Mitiaro Beaches

There are a number of pretty small beaches all around Mitiaro, which are best to enjoy at low tide. These beaches are prefect to sunbathe on as most of them are quite secluded and are the ideal place for a quiet picnic, as you will not be disturbed.

Mitiaro Caves

The limestone caves in the makatea of Mitiaro are quite beautiful with a number of cool pools to swim in. The Vai Nauri is the best cave on the island to visit, as it houses a large blue pool to swim in. A peaceful place with many interesting stalagmite and stalactite formations, this cave is nice to visit in the morning, when the local children are not around as it can get quite noisy when they come here for a swim.

Via Marere a 10 minute walk from the village is the only sulfur pool in the Cook Islands. A great place to relax and soak your worries away, a dip in the pool here leaves your skin and hair silky smooth.

Via Tamaroa is another cave with a large pool in it. Slightly difficult to reach, you have to navigate through some sharp makatea to get here. Vaiai is also known as Sandalwood Cave and is named after the sweet smelling sandalwood that grows in the area.

Other places to see on Mitiaro

Some other places to see on Mitiaro includes the Takero Marae, which lies south of the village. Very old, not much of this marae remains today except for a few big stone seats. The Te Pare Fort in the southeast of Mitiaro is also worth taking a look at. Built as a defense against the Atiuans, this fort is hidden by the makatea around it. To visit Te Pare Fort you will need permission.

The cemeteries on Mitiaro are an interesting sight. Located all over the island, especially in the north, many of the cemeteries contain both old and new graves. An interesting thing to note about these graves is that on the headstones you will find many of the deceased’s possessions particularly cutlery or glasses. This is done so the person’s spirit can have their meals in their own dinnerware!