Mitiaro

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Mitiaro

One of the 15 Islands that comprises the Cook Islands, belongs to the southern group.

Mitiaro, the fourth island in the Cook Island group, is of volcanic origin. Standing in water 14,750 feet deep (4500 m) it is four miles (6.4 km) across at its widest point. It is surrounded by the belt of fossilised coral—makatea—between 20 and 40 feet high (6 to 9 m) 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. Beaches are limited but there are crystal clear pools ideal for swimming in the subterranean limestone caves and the beach at low tide abounds in interesting marine life.

MITIARO = Nukuroa - in the Southern group of the Cook Islands, is one of a group of three islands 135 miles east-northeast of Rarotonga known to the native Cook islanders as 'NGA-PU-TORU' (the three roots), the other 2 islands being Atiu and Mauke.

Mitiaro consists of about 8.6 square miles of volcanic caldera with a swamp and two 2 salty freshwater lakes in the center, which contain unique itiki (eels), a local delicacy. The inhabitants are shy, but friendly. This island is excellent way to get away from 'civilization.' Visit the caves, the cemetery and the fortress at 'Te Pare' where the original inhabitants would hide from the invaders. The Atiuans used to invade Mitiaro when they needed more food or new mates. There is also lodging and board at the nearby guest house in Takaue Village. Accomodation and transport can be arranged through the air lines that serve Rarotonga.

kiaorana.com/mitiaro.html

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cook_Islands