The Best Tours and Activities on Atiu for Couples
Could Atiu be the most romantic island in the Cook Islands? Far from the “rat race” or Rarotonga and even Aitutaki, Atiu only receives 1% of the total of tourists that visit the Cook Islands. For couples that visit the uplifted coral island, that often means having its 26 beaches, long stretches of vibrant reef and lush jungle of birds and caves all to yourself. But what can couples do on Atiu, either to celebrate their honeymoon or simply enjoy a romantic getaway? Find out in this list of the best things to do on Aitu for couples.
While you’re here, plan your entire romantic excursion with The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Atiu.
1. Relax on Atiu’s Secluded Beaches
You rarely get the feeling of having a whole place to yourselves quite like on Atiu. With only a handful of tourists on the island at a time (and locals finding not much use in lounging on the beach), the beaches of Atiu are secluded around 99.9999% of the time. Although there are 26 beaches found in the nooks and crannies of Atiu’s coast, some of the largest beaches and best ones to visit are Oravaru, Taungaroro and Tumai beaches along the west side of the island, and Oneroa Beach on the east side. Beaches offer very little in way of snorkelling and swimming due to the reef being so close to shore, but they still offer a serene place to explore. Check out the 7 Best Beaches on Atiu for more information about each beach and more.
Location: Check out the link above for each beach location. Otherwise, they are well signposted along the coastal road of Atiu.
© Daniel Fisher - Cook Islands Tourism2. Watch the “Love Birds” on Birdman George’s Eco Tour
The Cook Islands Maori name for Atiu is “Enuamanu“, meaning the “land of birds” and it’s not just a gimmicky drawcard to attract tourists! See for yourself on an eco-adventure with “Birdman George”. While the tour includes walking historic trails and visiting historically significant sites, the main focus is the ecology of Atiu where George will point out kakerori and colourful kura that he looks after in this island sanctuary. He also points out interesting Atiuan plants and their medicinal uses. At the end of the tour, you’ll arrive at a picturesque beach where George will serve either a tropical spread for a picnic lunch or an umu on a Sunday. See more tours like this in the 5 Best Tours in Atiu.
Location: Transfers are included.
© Daniel Fisher - Cook Islands Tourism3. Do a Reef Walk to The Three Grottos or the Coral Garden
At low tide, walk through the shallow crystal clear waters on a reef walk to some stunning (and, again, secluded) bathing pools. One such reef walk is from Oneroa Beach, where, if you head north for around 30-45 minutes, you’ll reach the open caves and pools of The Three Grottos. Alternatively, find three picturesque sinkholes west of Takauroa Beach and east of Matai Landing. When the falling tide empties through the sinkholes you’re left with all sorts of colourful fish temporarily trapped in your own natural aquarium. That’s why they also call this place the “Coral Garden“.
Location: The Three Grottos – Oneroa Beach, southeastern side of Atiu. Walk north from Oneroa Beach to reach The Three Grottos. Coral Garden – Southeast of Atiu, west of Takauroa Beach and east of Matai Landing.
© David Kirkland - Cook Islands Tourism4. Trek Through the Jungle to Anatakitaki Cave
A must-see attraction for couples on Atiu, Anatakitaki Caves are a series of caves with awesome limestone stalactites and home to a rare and fascinating bird. Join Atiu Eco-Adventure Anatakitaki Cave Tour for a three-hour guided experience taking you through the dense rainforest to three spectacular caves. Bring your swimwear for the cave pool and put on your best bird-spotting hats for seeing the kopeka, a swiftlet unique to Atiu, that uses sonar just like a bat. Your guide will tell you more about these amazing birds or check out the 20 Animals & Birds Unique to the Cook Islands. Plus, see more caves to explore in the 5 Best Caves on Atiu.
Location: East side of Atiu. Transfers are included in the tour mentioned.
© David Kirkland - Cook Islands Tourism5. Get Competitive with a Game of Tennis
Atiu has more tennis courts per head than any other island in the world! Ok, we don’t know how true the maths is there, but with around nine tennis courts for around 400 people, we’re sure we’re not far off. Join in on the racket action and get competitive together at the tennis court of Atiu Villas. The accommodation boasts the only grass tennis courts in the Southern Cook Islands!
Location: Atiu Villas, on the road between Matai Landing and Ngatiarua village.
© Daniel Fisher - Cook Islands Tourism6. Take a Tiki Tour Around the Island by Car, Scooter or Bike
At a total area of only 27km² (17mi²), Atiu is so easy to explore! Either hire a car (the most comfortable on the dirt roads), hire a scooter (the most adventurous) or a bicycle (the most physically demanding) and explore the 19km (11.8-mile) coastal road with its array of sea tracks leading to exceptional sights. Relax in a natural infinity pool at Konakonako Landing at low tide, swim in the deep waters of Taunganui Harbour, get wonderful views of the coast from Te Tau and more! Check out some of these sights and more in the 10 Free Things to Do on Atiu and A Self-Guided Day Trip Around Atiu.
Location: See where to hire vehicles in the Atiu Transport Guide: 7 Ways to Get to (& Around) Atiu.
© David Kirkland - Cook Islands Tourism7. Taste Locally Grown Coffee
Not only is Atiu a treat for the eyes but it’s a treat for the tongue, as it has two coffee roasters on the island! A popular way to experience Atiu’s coffee scene is with Mata Arai from Atiu Island Coffee who resumed her family’s arabica coffee plantation in the 1990s and has been going strong since. Her delightful coffee tour allows you to learn about the coffee bean growing process, what makes Atiu perfect for growing arabica beans and how to hand roast the beans on a tour of the Atiu Island Coffee plantation and roastery, and the secret ingredient that makes Atiu’s coffee unique! The tour concludes with a taste of the good stuff along with yummy pikelets and coconut cream!
For more treats for the tastebuds, check out the 6 Best Foodie Experiences on Atiu.
Location: Mapumai, north of the Air Rarotonga office and Centre Store and south of Akai Bakery.
© David Kirkland - Cook Islands TourismMore Romantic Things to Do on Atiu for Couples
Now that you know the most romantic things to do on Aitu for couples, discover more experiences that might not necessarily fall under the “romantic” category but are still amazing to do, in the guides below.
- 20 Best Things to Do on Atiu
- 5 Best Tours in Atiu
- The Food Guide to Atiu: Places to Eat & Food Tours
Finally, plan more of your romantic escape to the Cooks using The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to the Cook Islands and the 20 Most Romantic Things to Do in the Cook Islands for Couples.
