Takutea Island Travel Guide
Uninhabited Tropical Island
- Ratings:
- Be the first to rate this.
-
Reviews:
-
Be the first to write a review
Takutea, in the Cook Islands, is a small uninhabited island northwest of Atiu. It is only one-half square mile in size, and merely 6 metres above sea level at its highest point, most of the island is covered in coconut palms.
The Island has a very dangerous landing at the northwest corner of the reef, it has been designated a wildlife sanctuary, mainly for the red-tailed tropic birds and red-footed Boobies.
It's administered by a Trust and special permission is needed from the Trust Chairman, High Chief Rongomatane Ariki if you want to visit. Alternatively, you could join the research vessel, Bounty Bay for an eco tour out of Rarotonga.
Takutea is the only island in the Cooks never to have had a permanent population. Even when Captain Cook sighted the island on 4 April, 1777 and some crew members went ashore, they found some huts but no evidence of a permanent settlement.
Copra cutters visit once a year to cut coconuts from the trees and a quantity of the tail feathers of the tropic birds which are used for traditional costumes.
The conservation service, made up of local residents from other islands, makes regular trips to the island to monitor the conservation.
Attractions in Takutea Island
Thousands of red foot boobies and red tail tropicbirds nest on the island and it is one of the Pacific Ocean's most important breeding grounds for sea birds. Terns, noddies and frigatebirds can also be found on the island, the great frigatebird has become an unofficial emblem of the Cook Islands.
Activities in Takutea Island
Visitation is only possible with government approval.
Takutea Island Reviews
Why not be the first and add your review below?
