Atiu, COOK ISLANDS
Airing Date: Dec 4th, 2006
This is not your typical tropical island holiday. It's a little bit off beat, and off the beaten track. Sure there are beautiful deserted beaches, pristine clear water and coral white sands, but here on Atiu, there's no 5 star resorts and cocktail hour by the pool.
Atiu is surrounded by an ancient uplifted reef which is riddled with water caves, burial caves, bird caves, and unexplored caves. Visiting caves is very popular with tourists to the island.
Cave tours are available to many coral limestone caves. According to Atiu tourism, all are pretty spectacular and if caving's your thing, then you could easily spend all of your time on Atiu underground.
It's a challenging 20- 30minute walk to the entrance of the Cave- and strong non slip footwear is essential. Visitors can walk through the jungle on the Maketea while the tour guides offer a glimpse into the legends spun around the caves in ancient times.
These stunning lime stone caves are home to the Atiu Swiftlet or Kopeka that build their nest deep in between the stalactites of the cavern and navigates in total darkness guided by the echo of its clicking sounds.
Fibre Arts Studio - produces art and craft works inspired by traditional Cook Islands textile art and created with modern knowledge and skills. The Atiu Fibre Arts Studio was commissioned to create artwork for banks, hotels, the National Culture Centre on Rarotonga and the Intercontinental Hotel on Maui (Hawaii). For more information visit
www.adc.co.ck/art.htm Atiu Villas is situated on the outskirts of the central villages. The site provides a quiet and relaxing environment surrounded by wild tropical gardens and is only a short walk from the white sandy beaches of the southern coastline.
FURTHER INFORMATION 5 night packages for Travel: 01Nov06 - 31Mar07 from $1,549 per person ex Brisbane, $1,585 per person ex Sydney, $1,629 per person ex Melbourne, $1,789 per person ex Adelaide, $2,279 per person ex Perth, $2,085 per person ex Cairns, Includes return airfares, accommodation & transfers. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 4/12/06. Sales until 25 Dec 06.
Air New Zealand Holidays - PH: 1300 365 525
