Mitiaro

Mitiaro, the fourth island in the Cook Islands group, is of volcanic origin. Standing in water 14,750ft deep it is 4mi across at its widest point.GeographyMitiaro, also known as Nukuroa, is part of the Nga-Pu-Toru island group formerly, a volcano that became a coral atoll. The coral died forming fossilised coral (known locally as makatea). The island is surrounded by a belt of this makatea, between 20and high and characteristic of islands in the southern group. The centre of the island is almost flat, quite swampy and contains two freshwater lakes teeming with eels, which the locals call itiki, 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.The island has four villages, located close together on the western side, from north to south: Taurangi (a former village)Atai (also called Arai)AutaMangareiTakaue The high school is located in the principal village, Arai. Takaue is the second largest village. Mitiaro Airport is located at the northern end of the island.HistoryThe native islanders had a pre-European history of harassment and subjugation by the warlike Atiuans, there were significant deaths in the population.