Island of Lakes and Caves
Southern Cook Islands, Cook Islands
Of the cluster of islands in the Southern Group called Nga Pu Toro, Mitiaro would be the least visited by tourists. Not because it is any less beautiful than sister islands Atiu and Mauke, but simply that it is probably the least known.
Mitiaro is somewhat different to its sisters in that it has two large freshwater lakes in its interior, Rotonui and Rotoiti. These are full of itiki (freshwater eels) that are considered a delicacy in the Cook Islands. There are caves on Mitiaro and some delightful subterranean pools which offer a refreshingly cool place to swim.
There is a small population of approximately 300 people and private gardens in the village are beautifully kept and neat. Accomodation on both Mitiaro and Mauke is limited, so it is wise to book ahead.
Background
Mitiaro, the fourth island in the Cook Island group, is of volcanic origin. Standing in water 4500 metres deep, it is 6.4 kms across at its widest point. It is surrounded by the belt of fossilised coral—makatea—between 6 to 9 metres high characteristic of islands in the southern group. The centre is almost flat, quite swampy and contains two freshwater lakes teeming with eels and the imported tilapia from Africa where it is known as bream.
The native islanders had a pre-European history of harassment and subjugation by the warlike Atiuans and suffered greatly from this. When missionary, John Williams arrived to convert the Mitiaroans on June 20, 1823, the population was fewer than 100.