Lake Tiroto

Lake Tiroto lies in the swampy ring between Atiu's volcanic centre and the makatea that surrounds it, the largest body of fresh water in the southern Cook Islands, and eels are caught in it, still a valued food on the island. A cave passage at one end connects the lake through the coral towards the sea, and it can be entered with a guide. Taro is grown in the wet ground around the shore.

Highlights

• The lake - the largest fresh water in the southern Cook Islands.
• The cave passage - the connection through the coral towards the sea.
• The eel fishery - the catch that is still a valued food on the island.
• The taro ground - the cultivation in the wet ring around the lake.

When to go

May to October is the drier season. Water levels rise through the wet months. Guides work on arrangement.

Good to know

The lake edges are swampy and access is limited. The cave passage needs a guide and gets wet. There is no infrastructure at the shore.

Nearby

Anatakitaki is nearby, and Atiu's villages are inland.

Key facts