7 Best Beaches on Atiu

Last Updated: 9 June, 2025

The Beaches You Can’t Miss on Atiu!

If you want to experience pristine beaches all to yourself, Atiu is your island. The 26 beaches here are utterly picturesque and endearingly quaint, far from the endless stretches of sand you’ll find on Rarotonga or Aitutaki.

With the reef being so close to shore, however, most beaches are better for finding shells than they are for swimming. That’s with a few exceptions when the tide is right, of course, so we make sure to mention where’s good for swimming and where’s not in this guide to the best beaches on Atiu.

How do you find the rest of the beaches on Atiu that we haven’t mentioned on this list? Just take the coastal road and look out for trails or clearings to the coast. Chances are, it leads to somewhere spectacular.

And for more items to add to the itinerary, check out the 20 Best Things to Do on Atiu.

1. Taungaroro Beach

Atiu’s most popular beach. Taungaroro is a small, picturesque beach backed by cliffs and sloping into the reef.

There are swimming holes to find in the reef, making Taungaroro the best beach for swimming in Atiu, while the covered picnic area here offers a welcome respite from the sun.

Location: West side of Atiu, signposted off the western coastal road, 1.5 km (0.9 mi) south of Oravaru Beach.

2. Tumai Beach

Tumai Beach is a scenic spot characterised by large sand mounds. While not generally safe for swimming, it’s definitely worth a visit for its unique landscape.

You’ll love scrambling over the remote sections of beach and rock slabs – perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots!

We recommend taking a moment to soak in the rugged beauty of this Cook Islands gem. It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful stroll or a bit of beachcombing.

Location: West side of Atiu, 400 m (437 yards) from Taungaroro Beach.

3. Oravaru Beach

For a dab of colonial history, stop by Oravaru Beach, which was the landing site of British explorer Captain James Cook on April 3 1777.

It’s also a very scenic spot to explore with chunks of limestone rock dappling the lagoon.

Location: Western side of Atiu, approximately 1 km (0.6 mi) south of Taunganui Harbour.

4. Matai Beach

Matai Beach is a picture-perfect spot nestled between two cliffs. While swimming is possible in certain conditions, be aware that this side of the island experiences rougher waves due to prevailing winds. Personally, we prefer to paddle here.

A sheltered picnic area and bathroom facilities are conveniently located above the beach. Keep in mind there’s no phone signal here, so you’ll truly be able to disconnect and enjoy this secluded slice of paradise (just remember to plan accordingly).

Location: Southeast side of Atiu, between Te Tau (the southernmost point of the island) and Takauroa Beach.

5. Te Tau Beach

Don’t miss the southern tip of Atiu, where a path leads to a magnificent coastal viewpoint. Follow the trail down to Te Tau Beach, a rugged coral field with a small sandy strip.

When the swell’s up, you’ll be treated to an epic display of waves crashing over the reef. It’s also a hotspot for seabird watching – we’ve seen majestic frigates gliding overhead on our visit.

Location: South side of Atiu, accessible off the coastal road.

6. Takauroa Beach

Takauroa Beach offers a unique combination of natural wonders and history. At low tide, you can explore three picturesque sinkholes, temporarily trapping colourful fish in a natural aquarium (that’s why it’s also called the “Coral Garden“).

To reach the coral garden, turn right when facing the ocean at Takauroa Landing and stroll along the reef for about 200 m (a 2-3 minute walk). This magical spot is only accessible at low tide, so time your visit wisely. Be cautious of big swells and note that there’s no phone signal in the area. (We recommend bringing a buddy for safety!)

Don’t miss the intriguing historical site across the road – a marae or burial ground (the jury’s still out on its exact purpose).

Location: Southeast of Atiu, west of Takauroa Beach and east of Matai Beach.

7. Oneroa Beach

Experience blissfully secluded stretches of beach at Oneroa Beach.

A few steps in the rock lead to this piece of paradise, where, at low tide, you can walk to more natural wonders at The Three Grottos.

Check out instructions on how to get to the Grottos in the 10 Free Things to Do on Atiu.

Location: Oneroa Beach, southeastern side of Atiu. Walk north from Oneroa Beach to reach The Three Grottos.

More About Beaches in Atiu and the Cook Islands

Now that you know some of the best beaches on Atiu, discover more sands to explore in our other Cook Islands guides:

Finally, plan the rest of your Atiuan excursion 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])

At Cook Islands Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About the Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as the Cook Islands. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Raro’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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