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.
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.
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.
