What Makes
Mauke
in the Cook Islands
such an Awesome Place?

A garden of eden

everything you need to know about the hypnotizingly stunning Mauke in the Cook islands

Mauke is often referred to as the Garden Island. It has well-kept beach gardens and unspoiled nature.

You’ll also find the Pacific’s most giant Banyan tree here. The island has many beautiful sandy beaches nestled between wild Makatea-rocks and peaceful gardens.

Here's a Free Handy Mauke Infographic For You

Our infographic contains essential information for you to plan your visit.

We have prepared detailed infographics for each one of the Cook Islands islands. Visit the pages of the islands for their respective infographics.

Click below to download your high-resolution infographic.

Basic Info and Stats About Mauke in the Cook Islands

01.

Geography

Mauke forms part of the Southern Cook Islands Group.

02.

Getting There

The island is 277 kilometers / 172 miles northeast of Rarotonga and connected to the main island with a regular 50 minutes flight.

03.

Size Of Mauke

At 18 kilometers2 / 7 miles2, it is half the size of the Cook Islands’ main island, Rarotonga. With its sister islands Mitiaro and Atiu, it forms the so-called “Three Roots”, three remaining cornerstones of an ancient sunken mega volcano.

04.

Geology

It is estimated to be 8 million years old and is a volcanic island. It has a central volcanic plateau, made up of fossilized corals, known as the Makatea.

The island hosts several unexplored caves, and its rough coastline offers stunning secluded sandy beaches. Besides, it's home to the largest Banyan tree of the entire Pacific area.

05.

Inhabitants & Tourist Numbers

297 people call the island their home.

And it receives only a handful of tourists each year.

Mauke Offers the Bare Essentials in Its Infrastructure

01.

Airport

A sandy airstrip and small airport hut greet you on your arrival. The tiny airport only opens when the small passenger plane arrives and departs.

02.

Transport

There is no public transport system. Your host can arrange vehicles to explore the island.

03.

Tours

Also, your host organizes all types of tours.

Mauke private beaches

04.

Accomodation

We opted to stay at the gorgeous Tiare Cottages hosted by Ta and Teata. The other option is Ri’s Retreat awesome garden lodges, which is behind the airport.

05.

Shopping & dining

The island has a couple of small grocery shops but no restaurants and bars.

06.

Money

There is only one ATM on the entire island. Your hosts will take care of your every need, but be sure to bring enough cash with you.

07.

Medical

Medical care is available.

4

Extraordinary Things To Do When In Mauke In the Cook Islands

1 Enjoy beachside gardening at its best

The island has many beautifully manicured Beaches. Well kept gardens, complete with rest and picnic areas, are scattered all around the island.

Be sure to take along a picnic basket and enjoy days at many amazing flowery gardens.

2 Largest Banyan Tree in the Pacific

Hike through the rain forest to the largest Banyan tree in the Pacific. In 2019 it covered an area of about 4,000 meters2/ 43,000 feet2, and it continues to expand.

A tapestry of impressive tree trunks and roots cover the ground and sky. Here you can swing like Tarzan through the jungle.

3 Swim in Subterranean Caves

Caves located in the rain forest contain pools in which one can take a refreshing dip. The lush and deep dark pools offer a setting that is both romantic and mystical.

Mauke banyan tree
Mauke beach garden
Mauke gardening

4 Visit “The Divided Church” Of Areora

Centuries ago, two congregations could not agree on the style of their common church. They ended up splitting the church down the middle then proceeded to build and decorate it according to their different ideas.

These mixed ideas came together to create a magnificent church. And for some time now, the inhabitants have celebrated their church service together.

Mauke church
Mauke divided church
Mauke palm
Mauke shipwreck

Like What You've learnt about Mauke so far?

We have tons more info in our Cook Island Travel Guide

The Cook Islands Travel Guide is jam packed with details of Mauke. Contact information. Detailed maps with geocodes and much more.

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