Manuae

Manuae is an uninhabited twin atoll located in the southern group of the Cook Islands, consisting of two large motus, Manuae and Te Au O Tu. These islets wrap around a shallow lagoon covering roughly 13 square kilometers, creating a pristine marine environment. As the first established marine reserve in the Cook Islands, the atoll serves as a critical biological sanctuary, most notably for the Green sea turtle, which uses the sandy beaches as a major nesting site. Captain James Cook was the first European to sight the islands in 1773, originally naming them Sandwich Island before the name Manuae was restored. Today, the lack of human inhabitants ensures that the coral reefs and surrounding waters remain teeming with diverse fish species and seabirds, making it a key site for Pacific conservation efforts.

Nearby cities

Nikao

Nikao is a busy village located west of the capital, Avarua.

Avarua

Avarua is the capital of the Cook Islands, situated on the northern coast of Rarotonga.

Matavera

Matavera is a quiet village on the eastern coast of Rarotonga.

Ngatangiia

Ngatangiia is a historic village in the east of Rarotonga.

Vaipae

Vaipae is a large village on the island of Aitutaki, often referred to as 'Hollywood'.

Arutanga

Arutanga is the main settlement and primary port of Aitutaki island.

Areora

Areora is one of the five main villages on the island of Atiu.

Takaue

Takaue is the only inhabited village on the island of Mitiaro.

Oiretumu

Oiretumu is the central administrative settlement of Mauke island.

History & landmarks

Atiu

Atiu is a 'makatea' island with a volcanic rock core surrounded by a ring of uplifted fossilized coral limestone.

Anatakitaki Cave

Anatakitaki Cave served as a historic refuge for the people of Atiu.

Mitiaro

This low island has two large brackish water lakes in its center, surrounded by fossilized coral limestone walls.

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Mauke

Mauke, also known as the garden island, captivates with fertile soils and dense flora.

Punanga Nui Market

The Punanga Nui Market in Avarua is the commercial heart of Rarotonga, where local farmers and artisans sell their goods.

Nature

Manuae Marine Park

The uninhabited Manuae atoll is a critical sanctuary for sea turtles and sharks.

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Takutea Wildlife Sanctuary

Takutea is a small, uninhabited island dedicated to the protection of seabirds.

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Takutea

This small, uninhabited island is an important nature reserve and a significant nesting site for tropical seabirds, especially the red-ta…

Aitutaki Giant Clam Reserve

In the Aitutaki lagoon, endangered giant clams are farmed and protected.

Aitutaki Lagoon

This vast, shallow lagoon is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and numerous small sand islands.

Maungapu

Maungapu is the highest point on the otherwise low-lying Aitutaki atoll, reaching 124 meters in elevation.

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Atiu Bird Sanctuary

Atiu Island is famous for its caves where the rare Kopeka bird nests.

More places

Aitutaki Airport

This airport, built during World War II, is the logistical lifeline for the tourism sector on Aitutaki.

Arutanga Church

The Arutanga Church on Aitutaki was completed in 1828.

Arutanga CICC Church

The oldest Christian church in the Cook Islands is located on Aitutaki.

Atiu Coffee Factory

On the island of Atiu, this factory processes high-quality Arabica coffee grown in the island's fertile volcanic soil.

Mauke Biodiversity Forest

On the garden island of Mauke, rare pandanus trees and endemic orchids grow.

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Ziona Church Mauke

Ziona Church on Mauke is known for its architectural division into two sides.

Wreck of the SS Maitai

The wreck of the steamship SS Maitai has rested on the Avarua reef since 1916.

Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church

Built in 1853 using coral lime, this church serves as the historic religious center of the capital.