A Self-Guided Day Trip Around Mitiaro: One Day Itinerary

© Google Maps

Mangarei to Te Unu Beach

Distance: 4.4km (2.7 miles), Drive time: 8 minutes

Start your journey in Mangarei village where you’ll take the southern inland road for only 200m (656ft) before reaching your first wonderful natural attraction on Mitiaro. Vai Marere is the Cook Islands’ only sulphur pool, which is accessible via a short path with a concrete platform leading into the mineral waters. Have a swim then make your way back on the inland road.

Cross the island and take in the sights of the plantation landscape and the historical sites of the island’s original village locations. Takero Marae (ancient meeting grounds) is one of the easier marae to find on the island. Approximately 2.5km (1.6 miles) down the cross-island road from Mangarei and beneath an ancient chestnut tree are some large stones, one of which was the seat of the “ariki” (chief) while others are graves. Find out more about the site in the 15 Best Things to Do on Mitiaro.

At the end of the inland road where it meets the coast, you’ll find access to Te Unu Beach, the start of a series of glorious beaches speckling the east coast.

© Google Maps

Te Unu Beach to Vai Nauri (via Te Rotonui)

Distance: 4.6km (2.9 miles), Drive time: 12 minutes

As you make your way up the east coast, you’ll be steadily venturing uphill alongside a grassy landscape sloping to the makatea cliffs that divide the sandy coves. After Te Unu Beach, you’ll reach one of Mitiaro’s best swimming beaches at high tide, Nanamaru. Just a few hundred metres further north is the sign and white commemorative stone marking the beginning of the trail to Vai Tamaroa. Follow the walking trail over grassy makatea for approximately 20 minutes until you reach a cave pool with an open top and plenty of space to jump in from several metres high! Learn more about the cave in 5 Best Caves on Mitiaro.

Back on the main road, head north until you reach the turn-off toward Te Rotonui lakes. Opposite the turnoff is Parava Beach which is worth checking out before you drive toward the lake.

The drive inland to Te Rotonui is less than a kilometre, taking you to the shores of the island’s largest lake. Soak in the views across the lake with its trees dangling over the water and find where locals have set up nets to catch the endemic eel “itiki” and milkfish “ava”.

Head back out onto the main road and continue north for only a few hundred metres until you find another inland turnoff leading to Vai Nauri, the largest and most popular cave pool on Mitiaro. There is a set of concrete steps leading into the cave with crystal clear water and stalactites.

© Google Maps

Vai Nauri to Mangarei

Distance: 7.9km (4.9 miles), Drive time: 15 minutes

After you’re done cooling off at Vai Nauri, get back on the coastal road and continue your road trip north to approximately 1.5km (0.9 miles) to Omapere Beach, another large but likely secluded beach for you to enjoy all to yourself.

As you corner the northern coast, you’ll reach a couple of more beach access points at the eastern end of the runway. Okore and Okarava beaches have short trails leading to them. Take the road on the northern side of the runway to access more beaches before the coastal road comes back down the west side of the island and returns to Mangarei.