Takutea Wildlife Sanctuary

Takutea is a small, uninhabited coral island located roughly 22 kilometers northwest of Atiu. It serves as a vital sanctuary for seabirds, hosting some of the most significant breeding colonies in the South Pacific. Managed by the traditional trustees from Atiu, the island is strictly protected to preserve its unique biodiversity. It is a major nesting site for red-tailed tropicbirds, red-footed boobies, and great frigatebirds, which thrive in the absence of human settlement. Because there is no harbor, reaching the shore involves a challenging boat trip through the surrounding reef, and visitors must obtain explicit permission from the Atiu Island Council. The encircling coral reefs are remarkably pristine, supporting a rich marine life that complements the terrestrial bird sanctuary, making Takutea a true ecological treasure of the Cook Islands.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Te Vara Nui Village

A cultural landmark that showcases traditional Polynesian life and legends through architecture and staged performances.

Nature

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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…

Manuae Marine Park

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

Manuae

An uninhabited twin atoll that represents a significant marine protected area.

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Atiu Bird Sanctuary

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

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.

Muri Lagoon

This shallow section of the Rarotonga lagoon houses four small islands.

More places

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.

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.

Rarotonga Brewery

The brewery in Matavera produces locally brewed beer and is a significant player in the local beverage industry.

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Avana Valley

A deeply cut valley on Rarotonga through which the Avana River flows.