Atiu: The Untouched Gem of the Cook Islands

• HelloKia orana
  [Kee-ah oh-rah-nah]
• GoodbyeAere ra
  [Eye-reh rah]
• YesE
  [Eh]
• NoKare
  [Kah-reh]
• Please/You're welcomeAere mai
  [Eye-reh my]
• Thank youMeitaki
  [May-tah-kee]
• Excuse me/SorryTangiia
  [Tahng-ee-ah]
• How are you?Pehe koe?
  [Peh-heh koh-eh]
• Fine. And you?Mataora. Koe?
  [Mah-tah-oh-rah. Koh-eh]
• Do you speak English?E tatau koe i te reo Pukapuka?
  [Eh tah-tow koh-eh ee teh reh-oh Poo-kah-poo-kah]
• I don't understandKare au e ariki
  [Kah-reh ow eh ah-ree-kee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKa meitaki kia kite menu
  [Kah may-tah-kee kee-ah kee-teh meh-noo]
• I don't eat meatKare au e kai vai
  [Kah-reh ow eh kah-ee vah-ee]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [Mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseKa meitaki kia u'i
  [Kah may-tah-kee kee-ah oo-ee]

• Help!Ara!
  [Ah-rah]
• Go away!Aere atu!
  [Eye-reh ah-too]
• Call the Police!Tatau ki te Puraga!
  [Tah-tow kee teh Poo-rah-gah]
• Call a doctor!Tatau ki te tatau!
  [Tah-tow kee teh tah-tow]
• I'm lostI tuku au
  [Ee too-koo ow]
• I'm illKua tara au
  [Koo-ah tah-rah ow]

• I'd like to buy...Ka meitaki kia oki...
  [Kah may-tah-kee kee-ah oh-kee...]
• I'm just lookingTei au e matau
  [Tay ow eh mah-tow]
• How much is it?E hia te moni?
  [Eh hee-ah teh moh-nee]
• That's too expensiveTei te moni tika
  [Tay teh moh-nee tee-kah]
• Can you lower the price?E tatau koe e tuku i te moni?
  [Eh tah-tow koh-eh eh too-koo ee teh moh-nee]

• What time is it?Ko te ora ki te aha?
  [Koh teh oh-rah kee teh ah-hah]
• It's one o'clockE tahi ora
  [Eh tah-hee oh-rah]
• Half past (10)E rua toru
  [Eh roo-ah toh-roo]
• MorningPōpō
  [Poh-poh]
• AfternoonArapō
  [Ah-rah-poh]
• EveningPō
  [Poh]
• YesterdayInapō
  [Ee-nah-poh]
• TodayĀnei
  [Ah-nay]
• TomorrowĀpōpō
  [Ah-poh-poh]
• 1Tahi
  [Tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [Roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [Toh-roo]
• 4Ā
  [Ah]
• 5Rima
  [Ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [Oh-no]
• 7Fitu
  [Fee-too]
• 8Varu
  [Vah-roo]
• 9Iva
  [Ee-vah]
• 10Ngauru
  [Ngar-roo]

• Where's a/the...?Ei hea te...?
  [Ay heh-ah teh...?]
• What's the address?Ko te tuanga aha?
  [Koh teh too-ah-ngah ah-hah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?E tatau koe e tuatua mai ia au (i runga i te mapi)?
  [Eh tah-tow koh-eh eh too-ah-too-ah my ee-ah ow (ee roo-ngah ee teh mah-pee)?]
• When's the next (bus)?A te aha te tere (auta)?
  [Ah teh ah-hah teh teh-reh (ow-tah)?]
• A ticket (to ....)E tiki (ki ...)
  [Eh tee-kee (kee ...)]

Atiu, also known as 'Enuamanu' which means 'land of the birds,' was first settled by Polynesians around 1000 AD. The island's fertile soil and abundant natural resources provided a sustainable environment for the early settlers. They established a society based on agriculture, fishing, and intricate social structures, evidenced by ancient marae (sacred meeting grounds) that can still be visited today.

The first recorded European contact with Atiu was in 1777 by Captain James Cook, who named the island 'Wateoo.' However, it wasn't until the arrival of Christian missionaries in the 19th century that significant changes began to occur. The London Missionary Society arrived in 1823, leading to the widespread conversion of the islanders to Christianity. Churches were built, and traditional practices were replaced with new religious customs.

In the late 19th century, the Cook Islands, including Atiu, became a British protectorate. This period saw the island's integration into the broader colonial administration, impacting local governance and economic practices. In 1901, the Cook Islands were annexed to New Zealand, bringing about further administrative changes and development projects aimed at modernizing the island.

During World War II, Atiu played a strategic role in the Pacific theater. The island was used as a refueling stop for Allied aircraft, and local men were recruited to serve in various capacities. The post-war period saw significant migration of Atiuans to New Zealand and other countries, seeking better economic opportunities. This migration had a lasting impact on the island's demographic and cultural landscape.

In recent decades, there has been a strong movement to revive and preserve traditional Atiuan culture. Efforts have been made to document and teach the native language, restore ancient marae, and celebrate traditional festivals and arts. Tourism has also become an important part of Atiu's economy, with visitors drawn to its rich history, pristine environment, and vibrant cultural heritage.

Atiu is accessible via air travel. The closest international gateway is Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) on the main island of Rarotonga. From Rarotonga, you can catch a domestic flight to Atiu, operated by Air Rarotonga. The flight duration is approximately 45 minutes. It is advisable to book flights in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Once on Atiu, the primary mode of transportation is via rental scooters, bicycles, or walking. There are no public buses or taxis, but some accommodations offer shuttle services. Renting a scooter is a popular option and provides the flexibility to explore the island at your leisure. The island’s roads are generally unpaved, so drive carefully.

The official currency in the Cook Islands is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit cards are accepted at some larger accommodations and restaurants, but it is essential to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. There are no ATMs on Atiu, so ensure you withdraw enough cash before departing from Rarotonga.

Atiu is considered a safe destination for tourists, with a low crime rate. Standard precautions should still be taken, such as securing personal belongings and avoiding isolated areas at night. There are no specific neighborhoods with high crime rates targeting tourists. Always stay aware of your surroundings and respect local customs.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. Atiu has a medical clinic that can handle minor health issues, but for serious emergencies, evacuation to Rarotonga may be necessary. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Local police are also available for assistance.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local villages and cultural sites. Avoid wearing beachwear away from the beach. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, and ask for permission before entering sacred sites. Public Transport: As there is no public transport, plan your travel accordingly. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a friendly 'Kia Orana'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Atiu like a local, consider joining a guided eco-tour to learn about the island's flora, fauna, and unique limestone caves. Engage with locals and participate in traditional activities such as weaving or attending a local church service. Don't miss visiting the Atiu Coffee Factory to taste locally-grown coffee, and take a tour of the Tumunu (bush beer) drinking clubs for a unique cultural experience.