The Best Caves to Visit on Atiu
The birdsong, coffee and tumunu bars might steal all the limelight on Atiu, but you can’t visit the island without exploring its caves. Vast cave networks worm their way through the makatea (coral uplift), which are wonderful to stumble upon while trekking over the jagged rock and dense jungle.
While some caves are famous for housing rare birds only found on this island, others lead to remote swimming holes that you’ll no doubt have all to yourself. We go through the highlights in this list of the best caves on Atiu!
Please note that all the caves require a local guide to be found. There are no marked trails. If guides are available, they can be arranged through your accommodation or the local tourist information centre. Expect tours to cost approximately NZ$50 per person.
And for more things to do, check out the 20 Best Things to Do on Atiu.
Table of Contents
1. Anatakitaki Caves (Kopeka Cave)
Anatakitaki Cave is a 2-3 hour expedition through dense forest and limestone caverns. The journey begins with a 30-40 minute hike over uneven terrain, so be prepared with sturdy footwear!
Once inside, you’ll marvel at stunning cave formations and, if you’re brave, take a dip in the cool underground pool. The highlight?
Experiencing complete darkness as rare kopeka birds soar overhead using echolocation. Don’t forget your mosquito repellent, water, and swimwear for this unforgettable journey into Atiu’s geological wonders.
Tours run at 9 am or 2 pm and are suitable for able-bodied participants. Transfers from your accommodation are included, making it easy to join this unique Cook Islands experience. Book your caving adventure with Anatakitaki Cave Tours for an exploration you won’t soon forget!
Location: East side of Atiu. Transfers are included in the tour mentioned.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com2. Rimu Rau Burial Cave
One of Atiu’s burial caves, Rimu Rau, offers a chance to see well-preserved skeletal remains, adding to the spooky atmosphere.
Although it’s not certain what caused the approximately 30 bodies to be buried in this cave, your guide will tell you the opposing legends. Note that this may not be the cave to visit if you’re claustrophobic…
During our last visit to Atiu, there were no longer landowners providing tours but it’s always worth asking around in case the opportunity presents itself once again.
Location: Southwest of Atiu. Guided tours can be arranged with accommodation providers or with the Atiu Information Centre (Main Road, Teenui – between Vodafone and the BCI Bank).
© Cook Islands Tourism3. Te Ana O Rakanui (Raka’s Burial Cave)
This burial cave is a little harder to get to, both literally as you hike for a while through the dense forest and over makatea, and in the sense that guides are not readily available. Nevertheless, if you’re lucky enough to make it to Te Ana O Rakanui or “Raka’s Burial Cave“, you’ll see the bones of Atiu’s fourth ariki (chief) and his family here.
There are many chambers and tunnels to explore, making for an adventurous visit that you’ll be thankful for having a guide.
Note that the entrance to the cave is a tight squeeze and can be a little claustrophobic.
Location: Northeast side of Atiu. Ask accommodation providers or the Atiu Information Centre (Main Road, Teenui – between Vodafone and the BCI Bank) to see if tours can be arranged.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com4. Vai Akaruru
Atiu is not the best island for vai or cave pools (you’ll find better on Mauke), but Vai Akaruru is the exception to the rule if you can get a guide to show you. The cave pool on the eastern side of the island has an opening where the light seeps in, making for a stunning place to bathe in its underground pool.
Location: East side of Atiu. Ask accommodation providers or the Atiu Information Centre (Main Road, Teenui – between Vodafone and the BCI Bank) to see if tours can be arranged.
© Kieran Scott - Cook Islands Tourism5. Nurau Hohle
The most adventurous cave to explore on Atiu, Nurau Hohle is a sinkhole leading down to a cave with an underground lake. It’s estimated that you can dive 50 m (54.7 yards) deep.
Needless to say, you’ll need to be an experienced cave diver with your own equipment, as there are no scuba diving services on the island. Check out alternative dive sites instead, in The Best Scuba Diving in the Cook Islands: Top 10 Places to Scuba Dive.
Location: Eastern side of Atiu.
© Kieran Scott - Cook Islands TourismMore About Caves in Atiu and the Cook Islands
Now that you know the best caves on Atiu for your next visit, check off more caves from your bucket list with the help of our guides:
Finally, plan the rest of your Atiuan retreat using The Complete Travel Guide to Atiu and Where to Stay on Atiu: The Best Atiu Accommodations.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across the Cook Islands and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
- Cook Islands Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Agriculture (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
- Cook Islands Statistics Office (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Transport (Transport operators and licenses - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
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