Population 0
0.5 sq mls/1.3 sq. kms
0.5 sq mls/1.3 sq. kms
Twenty kilometres (12.5 miles) north west of Atiu is the tiny coral cay of Takutea. It's only 6 metres (20 feet) above sea level at the highest point and most of it's covered in coconut palms. The island is sometimes still called Enua-Iti which means Small Island. Captain James Cook recorded that name in his journal when he reached the island on 4 April, 1777 and sent boats ashore to collect food.
Thousands of red tailed tropicbirds and red footed boobies (above left and right) nest on the island, which is one of the most important sea bird breeding grounds in the Pacific region. Feathers from the tropicbird are gathered for traditional costumes. Terns, noddies and frigatebirds are also found in large numbers. The kota or great frigatebird (centre) that nests there has become an unofficial emblem for the Cook Islands.
No doubt the birds have thrived because Takutea is the only island in the Cooks never to have had a permanent population. Even when some of Captain Cook's crew went ashore over 230 years ago, there was no evidence of a permanent settlement, although they found some empty huts.
No doubt the birds have thrived because Takutea is the only island in the Cooks never to have had a permanent population. Even when some of Captain Cook's crew went ashore over 230 years ago, there was no evidence of a permanent settlement, although they found some empty huts.
Access: Restricted
PROTECTING PERFECTION
Island leaders on Atiu have signed an agreement with a not-for-profit environmental organisation to develop a 297 acre wildlife sanctuary on Takutea. A five mile restricted fishing zone will also be set up around the island. The agreement means no changes will be allowed to the natural environment for 20 years. The organisation - SeaCology - have previously funded environmental protection work on Mangaia.
The island is surrounded by a pristine, unbroken reef
You won't find the island on any surfers' guide, but 400 metre wide rides are possible according to islanders on neighbouring Atiu
Most of the picturs on this page are courtesty of Atiu island's own web site which has been written by islanders themselves
Uninhabited
Southern Group
118 miles/189 kms
North East of Rarotonga
118 miles/189 kms
North East of Rarotonga
The island has been designated a wildlife sanctuary. 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, Pacific Expeditions Ltd in Rarotonga run occasional eco tours, and that's probably the only practical way for tourists to get to the island. Their web site has details
SURF AND DIVE TAKUTEA
You can find out more about birdlife on Takutea and throughout the Cook Islands at the
Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust Biodiversity Website.
Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust Biodiversity Website.
POINTERS TO PARADISE:
MORE OF TAKUTEA ATIU SITE MAP HOME SURPRISE ME!
OR FIND YOUR OWN PIECE OF PARADISE USING THE MENU AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE
MORE OF TAKUTEA ATIU SITE MAP HOME SURPRISE ME!
OR FIND YOUR OWN PIECE OF PARADISE USING THE MENU AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE
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