Atiu
A raised coral island in the Cook Islands, Atiu suits travelers who want caves, birdlife and a slow pace away from Rarotonga.
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Atiu is a small island in the southern Cook Islands. Its interior is a raised limestone rim called makatea, with caves cut into the rock and forest growing above them. Birdlife is one of the island's draws, and coffee is grown here. Visitors come for the caves, the birds and a slower pace than on Rarotonga.
Atiu suits travelers who want quiet days, cave walks and time with island life. Flights from Rarotonga are the usual way in, and seats on the small Air Rarotonga planes are limited, so book early. Most shops and services are in Teenui village, so plan a half day there for supplies. The drier months, roughly May to October, are the most comfortable time to walk. Two nights covers the caves and a ride around the island. Add a night if you want a day with nothing planned.
Atiu in five
- Book your Air Rarotonga flight to Atiu earlyAtiu is reached by small Air Rarotonga planes from Rarotonga, and seats are limited. Book your seat and check the baggage allowance before you set the rest of the trip.Getting around
- Carry New Zealand dollars in cashThe New Zealand dollar is the currency on Atiu. Bring enough cash for guesthouses, food and tours before you leave Rarotonga.Money and costs
- Rent a scooter or car and drive on the leftTraffic in the Cook Islands keeps to the left. Island roads are narrow and shared with bikes, scooters and people walking.
- Declare all food and plants on arrivalFresh fruit, plants, meat and other farm products must be declared at biosecurity, and some are not allowed in. Check the list before you pack food for the trip.
- Buy insurance that covers medical evacuationA serious injury may need a flight to Rarotonga or New Zealand. Check that the policy covers evacuation.Travel insurance
Things to do in Atiu
See all attractions in AtiuNeed to know
- Currency
- New Zealand dollar (NZD)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports; check before you fly
- Emergency
- 999 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC-10, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryWet, cyclone risk
- FebruaryWet, humid
- MarchWet, easing
- AprilRains easing
- MayDrier, mild
- JuneDry, cooler
- JulyDry, cool
- AugustDry, cool
- SeptemberDry, warming
- OctoberDry, warm
- NovemberRains return
- DecemberHolidays, wet
Right now in Atiu
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
22
- Feels like
- 18°
- Humidity
- 80%
- Wind
- 49 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 83%
Atiu
02:52 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today23°22°83%Monday: Drizzle. High 23°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 83%.
- Tue22°21°10%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 22°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Wed23°21°33%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 23°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 33%.
- Thu23°21°41%Thursday: Drizzle. High 23°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 41%.
- Fri23°22°39%Friday: Partly cloudy. High 23°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 39%.
- Sat24°23°45%Saturday: Drizzle. High 24°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 45%.
- Sun24°23°35%Sunday: Drizzle. High 24°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 35%.
Updated 02:41 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 1.778 NZD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Rarotongaby air, check flight timesThe main island and international airport, reached by air from Atiu.Read the guide
- The makatea caveson Atiu, by scooter or bikeRaised coral limestone with caves; bring a flashlight and sturdy shoes.
- Teenui villageon Atiu, by scooterThe main village, with shops and services for a half-day outing.
Before you go to Atiu
Rules for Atiu, checked
- Visa-free short stays for many passports. Check the entry rules with Cook Islands immigration before you book.
- Declare all food, plants and animal products on the arrival card. Biosecurity officers can take items away.
- Dial 999 for police, fire or an ambulance anywhere in the Cook Islands.
- Many shops and services close on Sundays.
Plan around Atiu
The wider Cook Islands and how Atiu fits in
Read the guideGetting aroundFlights from Rarotonga and getting around the island
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules for visitors arriving in the Cook Islands
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical prices on the islands
Read the guideWhere to stayGuesthouses and small lodges on Atiu
Read the guideTours and ticketsGuided tours of the caves and the island
Read the guideAtiu FAQ
How do you get to Atiu?
Air Rarotonga flies from Rarotonga to Atiu on small planes with limited seats. Book early, since flights are the usual link for visitors.
Is Atiu worth visiting?
Yes for caves, birdlife and the raised coral limestone of the makatea, and for a quiet island stay. It has far fewer resorts and beaches than Rarotonga, so it suits a slow trip.
How many days do you need on Atiu?
Two nights gives time for the caves, the makatea and a ride around the island. Add a night if you want a slower pace.
Do I need a car on Atiu?
A scooter, bike or car is the usual way to reach the caves and villages. Remember to drive on the left.
When is the best time to visit Atiu?
The dry season from about June to August is cooler and drier. The wet season from November to April brings more rain and cyclone risk.