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THE FOURTH largest island in the Cooks group, Mitiaro 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 (itiki) and the imported tilapia from Africa where it is known as bream. Beaches are limited but there are crystal clear pools ideal for a cooling swim in the subterranean limestone caves and the beach at low tide abounds in interesting marine life. // Etymology World map showing Africa (geographically) The name Africa came into Western use through the Romans, who used the name Africa terra — land of the Afri (plural, or Afer singular) — for the northern part of the continent, as the province of Africa with its capital Carthage, corresponding to modern-day...
Mitiaro is definitely a place for visitors who like peace and quiet and a chance to read those big books they have always promised themselves they would finish!
The unfortunate islanders had a pre-European history of harassment and subjugation by the warlike Atiuans and suffered greatly from this. When the ubiquitous ex-ironmonger-turned-missionary, John Williams arrived to convert the Mitiaroans on June 20 1823 the population was fewer than 100.
THE FOURTH largest island in the Cooks group, Mitiaro is of volcanic origin.
Beaches are limited but there are crystal clear pools ideal for a cooling swim in the subterranean limestone caves and the beach at low tide abounds in interesting marine life.
Mitiaro is definitely a place for visitors who like peace and quiet and a chance to read those big books they have always promised themselves they would finish!
The Mitiaro Palm is relatively well protected by being in the inaccessible centre of the makatea scrublands.
When I planned my trip, I had the choice of several islands but the fact that Mitiaro is home to the only endemic palm tree in the Cook Islands and I was unable to find photographs of this plant anywhere on the 'net were factors in my choosing this island.
The palms are in good condition and Mitiaro has relatively few of the invasive plants and birds that plague the other islands in the southern Cooks.
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