Atiu Guestbook

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Martin & Doreen from Holland visited in July 2005.

We spent some lovely days on Atiu Island. Unfortunately, we were not able to stay as long as we had hoped for (due to a strike from Air New Zealand), but nevertheless we had a great time!!
What a beautiful, rocky costline!! And sooo blue! Just WONDERFUL! An island not to be missed during a Cook Islands trip!

Stayed at Atiu Villas

Our stay at Atiu Villas was very, very nice! Roger was a best host!! He gave us (and probably every one that choses for Atiu Villas) a very warm welcome by showing us around on arrival. The stories and jokes that Roger told us about the island were truly entertaining!
We liked the bungalow 5 so much that we wanted to keep the key ;-) / we forgot to hand in and discovered on Raro. Hopefully it came back in time for the next guests!!

RATT from AUSTRALIA visited in May 2005.

ATIU TO GOOD TO MISS....

Stayed at Kia Orana Bungalows

TAI n HINANO BOAZA,THANX 4 EVERYTHING WE HAD A GOOOOOOD TIME THERE.THE BEER WE HAD (RARO BEER)THATZ A KILLER !!! SEE YOUS AT MANEA GAMES.

TAI BAITY (nee YALA) from California, USA visited in April 2005.

I LOVE THE PICTURES. JOB WELL DONE.

numanga from new zealand visited in December 2004.

kia orana every1 me jus a halla out two every 1 in the islandz speacially the numangaz ill b ova thier 4 xmas

Jayne and Ian from UK visited in November 2004.

Really glad we spent time on Atiu - it's a lovely island, yet to be spoilt by large scale tourism - empty beaches - very quiet roads - friendly locals - bliss! A very chilled and relaxing few days - wish we'd stayed for longer than 4 days. Would definitely love to return some day......

Stayed at Atiu Villas

Our villa was lovely - clean and well appointed in a beautiful garden setting - everything we needed was there. Made a new friend in the cat called Quasi (Einstein). Kura's Kitchen was great food every night, and Roger was the perfect host.

Tom and Alejandra Amen from California, USA visited in August 2004.

Of all the islands we visited during our month long stay in the Cooks, Atiu was definately our favorite. The island is beautiful and peaceful, and the islanders are some of the most genuine, welcoming, and gracious people we have ever encountered. The activities and sights are numerous for such a small island, and even our six night stay seemed too brief. With miles of gorgeous, empty beaches, and a rugged, verdant landscape, Atiu is truly a gem.

Stayed at Atiu Villas

Roger and Kura Malcom are wonderful hosts, and have created a beautiful environment in which to relax and unwind. Built with native materials, the Atiu Villas are nicely appointed, clean, comfortable, and peaceful. Kura's Kitchen, the only restaurant/bar on the island, is right on the property, and offers excellent meals, prepared with the freshest local ingredients available. Guests gather each night at 7:00 for dinner, drinks, and great conversation. The restaurant also regualrly hosts island nights, which were among the most intimate and spirited we encountered in the Cooks. Atiu Villas is a very special place, on a very special island. Meitaki ra nui nui Roger and Kura for your warmth and hospitality. We wish you health and happiness, and hope to see you again soon.

Marina from Germany visited in August 2004.

Hello ! Nise greedings on the Group "Enuamanu Tamariki", youre the best !!!!
Marina

MARCELLA from porirua visited in August 2004.

I ENJOYED SEEING THE PICTURES OF THE YOUTH IN ATIU.
I ALSO LIKED SEEING THE TUMUNU AGAIN.
I'D LIKE TO SAY HELLO TO ROURU, ROSA,KIIKII,ANNELY,AUNTY PENI,GERO,HEIPUA,TATIANA AND ALSO MY BELOVED NANNA APII VAINEPOTO.AND TO WHO EVER I MISSED OUT THIS BIG HELLO IS TO YOU AND HUGS AND KISSES TO EVERYONE IN ATIU.
AS THE MAORIS HERE IN NEW ZEALAND SAY KA KITE ANO E NOHO RA E HOA MA (GOODBYE MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY WE WILL SEE YOU AGAIN*

Stayed at Other

Id like to thank the family who had kept us warm and who had looked after us while we were in atiu you's were great and i wished i was living there because without the tropical fruits in new zealand i would'nt be strong like always so with all my grattitude id like to say thank you and kia manuia to you all.

Lisa from Germany visited in July 2004.

Hi! Sorry, I don't have a chance to visit Atiu before. But I know someone from Teenui who was in our town to dance for our Hula-festival. So I want to sent my love to Angareu P., Benas T. and Solomon R. . I want to just say that I've take you in my heart. Finnished I want to say that I want to come visit your island...I promise!! Godd bye your Lisa

Colin & Barbara Moore from Rarotonga visited in July 2004.

Was a very pleasant respite from the pace of Rarotonga!! Thoroughly enjoyed both Roger (Atiu Villas)and James / Marshall's (Atiu Tours) commentaries as they showed us special parts of their island. Discovering more for ourselves was a pleasure and we didn't even mind that the plane was delayed for our return to the "rat-race".
The only other comment is that our visit to Atiu Island Coffee would have been enhanced with more information about the history of coffee on the island, how/when/why etc and it would have been great to have seen the entire processing of the coffee in action, rather than just being told about how it happens. From a tourist's perspective, the information given can be improved upon to add interest to this particular tour.

Stayed at Atiu Villas

Glad the cupboard was stocked - now, it just needs that fresh bread on Sunday morning!!!

Reply : Atiu Island Coffee writes - point taken. We will definetly make sure our tour includes a history of Atiu Coffee and that there is a more interactive demonstration on how to process Atiu coffee.
Atiu Villas replies - We have taken up your suggest further and have arrange for the Akai Bakery to deliver fresh baked bread to your villa door on Sunday morning at 7.30 am. They will also deliver to other properties. Thanks Colin and Barbara for your suggestion for making holidays on Atiu even more enjoyable.

Barbara and Rex Weavers from New Zealand visited in June 2004.

Enjoyed the peace and beauty of the island and the friendliness of the locals. Found George's eco tour particularly rewarding, enjoying his company, what he taught us about the birds and plants on Atiu and his comments on life in Atiu in general. Finished it off with a splendid beach picnic. Mata's coffee tour was also an extremely interesting and enjoyable experience - excellent coffee, pikelets, fruit and conversation.

Stayed at Atiu Villas

Very comfortable and well appointed. The larder of food supplied proved very useful. Roger was very helpful in suggesting things to do and organising everything for us. We had only one of Kura's meals but that was a very pleasant experience.

Garry McAlpin from USA visited in June 2004.

I haven't visited your Island Paradice as of yet. I am planning a visit in the next 2-3 months. I would just like any comments you can give me on how or IF a US citizen could relocate to your Island and start a small tourist centered business. I am by FAR by NO means rich.. but am looking for a nice quite place to spend the rest of my years. ( I'm 45 ) and live a nice quite life running some sort of small business that will sustain me. I do have enough money to invest in something I'm looking for. Thank you for any help you can give me.

Stayed at Other

A hut on the beach would be great.
txgman59@wmconnect.com

Robert and Maureen Higham from New Zealand visited in May 2004.

Enjoyed the welcome, and the very informative talk from you Roger as we drove to the Villas, from history, geology, to current affairs. Lovely to meet your gracious wife, Kura who Maureen especially thoroughly enjoyed speaking with. We found the Villa's, it's gardens, and indeed the Island itself a tranqil haven. We have had meant to write earlier, but as you can see after all this time, we still think of you and your lovely place there, and the most enjoyable, peaceful time we had there with you. Oh, to be there again.
The meals Kura's Kitchen provided were A1. The outing with Birdman George was good too, and what a delicious and filling lunch he prepared. So interesting to see the rare birds with him, and then to see one again at the Villas.
Our Coffee Plantation trip was topped off with Maries pancakes & coffee for morning tea at her home. And what a wonderful experience to walk through the coral - jungle and into the Kopeka caves. And the Bush Beer experience ! By the way, the book 'From Kauri Trees to Sunlit Seas' we bought from you (which is so readable) was about $4 More expensive at Rarotonga, and almost double the price at the Rarotonga Airport - How on earth can you undercut their prices ??
We wish you both a very Happy Christmas and New Year. Thanks you both again for a wonderful and unforgettable stay.

Stayed at Atiu Villas

Clean, tidy, peaceful, roomy, and excellent host and hostess

Niels Wagner en Tamara ter Laak from Holland visited in May 2004.

We stayed for three days on this beautiful island. We also went to Aitotaki and Rarotonga. But Atiu was very pretty is has taken a little place in our hart. I reccommend atiu for everybody.. peace / quiet en beautiful nature. we love Atiu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stayed at Atiu Villas

Very nice. the food was perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!! i love atiu

james Minchau from Canada visited in April 2004.

I flew here on the flight simulator and Looked up the website... No I want to go for real! Looks great.

Sean and Lisa from USA & New Zealand visited in February 2004.

Atiu is one of the most peaceful places we've been. The friendly, smiling people, coupled with pristine beaches all to oneself, makes Atiu a place to which we must return.

We took a cave tour with Marshall and had a great time... Lisa fell in the cave and had to visit the clinic for her cuts and bruises, but that was just part of the adventure. Let Marshall know that it was still a great tour.

Also, tell Kau Henry that the religious videos I promised him and his family are on the way through Airmail. And thank Sam and the Boys for a great evening at their tumunu... I can't find bush beer at any of the pubs back home!

I hope Atiu will be as peaceful and friendly when we return... I'm sure it will! Thanks for a wonderful journey.

Stayed at Are Manuiri

We were on a budget so Are Manuiri was the perfect fit for us. We had nice accomodations and friendly company. We comissioned a tivaevae from the Atiu Fibre Arts Studio and it turned out beautiful.

Tony and Cynthia from |Alaska, USA visited in February 2004.

I am in Alaska getting ready for the rainy season here and I am looking thru the pictures we took of your beautiful island. We loved the people and the relaxed pace of things. We cycled all over the place and loved the shoreline. We regret not spending more time in the coral garden and we loved the warm rain that fell while we were there. The caves were worth walking too and the local dancing was a treat and one day we'll be back.

Stayed at Atiu Villas

Just what we needed after Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Relaxed, private and all that we needed was there. The meal we had before the dancing was fantastic and the whole experience was the best we had in the Cook Islands.

Nancy Freeman from Arizona, USA visited in December 2003.

Stayed at Atiu Villas

My villa was clean and spacious, and the atmosphere was wonderfully relaxed. I enjoyed going on the cave tours and coffee tour with the other guests, and striking off on my own by bicycle. Kura's cooking is great, and Roger was a font of fascinating stories about Atiu's history and current events. I wish I could have stayed the week, and not just 2 nights.

Mack Shaver and Holly Bundock from USA visited in November 2003.

The geology of Atiu is fascinating. A great contrast to Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Plenty to do. Especially enjoyed hiking to the caves, watching the 'swiftlets' return, echo locate, and roost.

Stayed at Atiu Villas

This was the perfect spot for us. Friendly. Easy to talk to all. Relaxed living. Plenty of privacy. A stocked refrig. or terrific food and island singing in the restaurant. Great porch for long, leisurely reads... or a glass of wine or beer after a strenuous day of poking around on the Villa's motorscooters. Don't tell Roger or Kira, but we were especially fond of gnarly old Einstein the cat, and he of us... or maybe it was the milk from the fridge.

Richard Darling from U.S.A. visited in November 2003.

Friendly and hospitable - this is what the South Pacific is all about. Advise a little restraint at the Tumunu first time.

Stayed at Atiu Villas

Wonderful - clean, comfortable, convenient - perfect for the tropical island setting.

amie aukino from NZ visited in October 2003.

ATIU is definitely paradise. Annerly, Taito, Rosa and MAma Esther ma, guess what girls......... im coming back, but ths time it will be forever! everything that happened when i came to atiu last time is all in the past aiight!!!! BIG TIME. i just cant w8 to come back. Taito, i checked out the enuamanu tamariki website and DAMN are you girls still looking good. Hopefully when i come to atiu i will be working for the air rarotonga. i will be a travel agent at the end of this year. cool aye!!! well obviously you are all doing well. we have a atiu youth conference in Auckland next week. i understand that you wont be able to attend but its all good we are all thinking of you in Atiu. Say hi to every last person on Atiu!!!! And by the way.... WHERE IS KIIKII??? has she returned from America? hope you all do well at school this year. dont worry mum is coming back too to teach at your school aiight!!! AMEN. IM OUT

Stayed at Other

Aunty apii thank you ra. too good!!!!! much appreciation to you

Alex and Charlie Snowdon from England visited in October 2003.

We loved Atiu, it's a lovely, unspoilt paradise. Hire a bike and cycle round the island! Lots of beautiful, deserted beaches.

Atiu Villas were so nice and clean and peaceful. Roger was a very entertaining host and we especially loved Einstein the cat! Very much hope to be back one day. The Island Night at Atiu Villas was fantastic.

Stayed at Atiu Villas

Atiu Villas were so nice and clean and peaceful. Roger was a very entertaining host and we especially loved Einstein the cat! Very much hope to be back one day. The Island Night at Atiu Villas was fantastic.

Joel & Angie Bright from Oahu, Hawaii visited in October 2003.

We have been waiting for a long time for this vacation and Atiu is truly a paradise. We want to thank you for your hospitality, great dinner and island intertainment the night we came. We hope to return someday and stay longer.

Stayed at Atiu Villas

Great comfortable bed and very clean ammenities. Its was a very relaxing environment.

Emma Sedlacek from Australia visited in September 2003.

Beautiful! Better that Aitutaki! Pity we didnt leave long eneugh, we will have to come again and stay for longer next time.

Stayed at Atiu Villas

Very nice, we felt very welcome. The dinner was beautiful, and the accomodation too. Thanks for your hospitality!

Greg from Canada visited in August 2003.

What a beautiful island! I'll have to come next year.... really, really nice......

WAYNE & DILLYS GONINON from TASMANIA. AUSTRALIA visited in June 2003.

HAVE STAYED TWICE AND LOOKING FORWARD TO COMING BACK NEXT YEAR (2005). VERY FRIENDLY LOCAL POPULATION, FANTASTIC HOSTS. INCLUDING KIKI. GREAT SCENERY

Stayed at Atiu Villas

GOOD COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATION IN VERY A NICE ENVIROMENT, WIH EASY ACCESS TO ATTRACTIONS. GREAT EVENING MEALS.

Doreen C. Zelles from Monterey, CA, USA visited in May 2003.

We were 3 of 8 tourists on the island during our 5 day visit and every where we went people were warm, kind and friendly. The pace of the island is how people should live everywhere; slow, care-free, simple and feeling completely safe. We rented a jeep and took leisurely jaunts on the unpaved "road" circling the island, visiting secluded beaches and finding amazing shells. Each day we drank Atiu Island Coffee, ate fresh baked bread, and picked our daily papaya and coconut. The Kopeka Cave Tour is worth a visit, but was a bit too much for our 5 year old daughter. The Aretou Tumunu was an amazing cultural experience. The a capella singing at the CICC Sunday service moved us to tears. The pastor, an Atiu "King" and their wives host a brunch after church for all the visitors to the island. Take the time to visit with the folks at the Women's Development Center where they make beautiful flowers to adorn your hair...a lovely and meaningful souvenir. We took it slow and easy and dream of returning soon.

Stayed at Kopeka Lodge

Moana, Duane and Mann Unuia were friendly and helpful hosts who treat you like family. The Lodge has a mountain feel, but in a tropicale locale with lovely breezes and peaceful setting. It is located close enough to town to walk. The handmade coffee table and outdoor furniture made the Lodge quite special as did Kitty and Cyclone whom my daughter adored.

Overall, It was very clean and comfortable, but lacked a washer/dryer facility, but truly that is not a complaint. We were at the end of a long holiday and it was a modern convenience I missed. We would stay there again and highly recommend it.

Jim and JoAnn Cole from Los Angeles, California visited in May 2003.

What a lovely island to visit, it is so different from Rarotonga and Atutaki. There were only 12 tourists on the island while we were there. I cant wait to return. My husband and I had so much fine driving the "coastal road" around the island. My first venture out in our jeep was a bit frightening because I had never traveled such roads BUT the next day I was begging my husband to take another drive around the island! We had a short encounter with Bush Beer, all I can say is I didnt get enough!

Stayed at Atiu Villas

Atiu Villas is what made our stay on Atiu so memorable. Roger and Kura were wonderful. Kura cooks a delicious meal every evening and we always looked forward to going back to the Villas at 7:00PM for our dinner!! Roger made all our tour arrangements and had a wonderful jeep for his guests. When planning our trip we were unsure about Atiu but we are so greatfull that we visited Atiu and can not wait to return and stay at the Villas again!

Mike Hollywood from United States visited in March 2003.

In my guidebook I refer to Atiu as the unspoiled queen of the Cook Islands, and deservedly so. Seldom are there more than a handful of visitors at one time on this pristine island. I would suggest to all visitors that are planning to stay more than a week in the Cook Islands, that they book the Aitutaki/Atiu package flight and visit these two unique destinations. The lagoon on Aitutaki and the relaxed beauty of Atiu are a must.

Stayed at Are Manuiri

I had the place all to myself and especially enjoyed the evening on the thatched roof verandah, talking to the locals and discussing the island. The guesthouse was clean and the beds quite comfortable. Jurgen and Andrea were great, Andrea met me at the airport and was a fountain of knowledge on life in Atiu. My only regret was the time restraint that did not allow me to stay longer.

See : www.mikehollywood.com

Julianna, Judit and Joseph Horvath from Canada visited in March 2003.

This was our second visit to the Cook Islands and to Atiu. We will be back just as soon as we can and wouldn't miss Atiu. This island is what the world should be like: safe, simple, unhurried, friendly and VERY relaxing. We have never seen the Milky Way and the starry sky with such clarity and intensity. Get up with the Sun and you can watch how great bread is being made the traditional way at Akai Bakery. Thanks to Kura and Roger Malcolm, KiiKii, Bella, Einstein the cat, Marshall Humpfreys and his great kids: Sarah and James, who led us on some very adventuresome "expedition" into the jungles and caves of Atiu and who deserve praise for their attitude and maturity, and all the people of this great place for our most memorable vacation so far. We wish the people of Atiu well deserved prosperity but hope that they will keep this place unspoiled and won't let it turn into an other Hawaii or Tahiti. For those who are yet to visit: make sure you slow down before you get here, you don't want this experience zoom by.

Stayed at Atiu Villas

The bungalows (villas) are homey, welcoming, clean, comfortable and unpretentious. I really liked the use of local lumber, palmtree boards even. The local fruits and flower table arrangements are an asolute delight. Spend some quiet time on the patio, listening to the distant sound of the ocean, drinking Atiu coffe or fresh fruit juices. It doesn't get much better.

See : http://bolond0.tripod.com

Marko from Germany visited in January 2003.

So very beautiful Island!

Stayed at Other

Very kind people. I enjoyed my visit

See : http://www.ehp-bausoftware.de

Melanie Nelson from USA visited in September 2002.

Rarotonga is nice, but don't visit the Cook Islands without getting out to Atiu! Its landscape is quite different from the other islands, and very beautiful. Everyone is very friendly, and the tumunu is an experience not to be missed. We had beautiful beaches all to ourselves, too. My days on Atiu were some of the most relaxing days I've ever spent.

Stayed at Atiu Villas

The villas are wonderful: very peaceful and very comfortable. Roger and Kura treated us like family. Kura's cooking was excellent, too!

Autumn Cuellar from U.S.A visited in August 2002.

Of the three islands we visited, I most enjoyed Atiu. It was strange being somewhere so isolated and with such a small population, but I loved my brief glimpse of their lifestyle. The people of Atiu were amiable and easy-going, greeting us while passing on the road (how foreign!).

The highlights of my trip to Atiu were the tumunu and the Kopeka cave tour. The tumunu's 'bush beer' tasted like a fruity wine to me. It's so yummy that you don't even notice it's alcoholic, and before you know it you're happy as a Care Bear. Luckily, I was well-warned and knew when to stop, but I had a right good time chatting with the locals when I wasn't tossing back the liquor

The Kopeka cave tour is definitely worth a look! Towards the end of the tour, they take you to swim around in a cave pool. The water was freezing cold, but what a unique experience! Luckily, the guides didn't tell me about the eels until after I was already out of the water, otherwise I might have been too creeped out to get in the water. The tour guides were fabulous - very nice, alert, and informative.

Stayed at Atiu Villas

Kura's Kitchen serves the best meals ever! One of the nice things about staying at Atiu Villas is that it seems to be a gathering place for some of the locals on weekend evenings, and we were able to participate in an Island Night right there in the restaurant. Among the many reasons I enjoyed my stay at Atiu Villas was the little fridge they had in the rooms stacked full of snacks. It was the only time I didn't feel like I was going to starve between meals while in the Cook Islands, haha. You do have to pay for the snacks, but since there's no 24 hr gas station on the corner, it's nice to have them available.

See : http://www.esc.auckland.ac.nz/People/Staff/Cuellar/pictures/ci/index.html

Island girl from New Zealand visited in July 2002.

Kia Orana i had the BEST time in Atiu i came over with my nan and here sister from Rarotonga they were bought up in Atiu we stayed in a house that was built by my grandfather in Mapumai village i had the best time. Atiu is like my second home now and i loved getting the fresh bread and donuts from a relation that lived just around the corner it makes me feel so proud to come from there and i will never forget that great experience you will love it just as much as i did.

Stayed at Other

House built by my grandfather

Faustina Rau from Auckland, New Zealand visited in December 2000.

Hi,
I love this web page!!! I was born in Atiu and am very proud to be an ' Atiuan' and grew up in Raro but am currently living in NZ. I still have family back home and some of them are in your pictures!! You have some amazing pics of the island and the people!! Brings back great memories!!

Thank you for making Atiu known to the rest of the world through this web page!!

KA KITE!

David Nickerson from New Zealand visited in August 2000.

Fantastic! Following a frantic trip to the UK and USA it was so good to have a relaxing holiday in the Cook Islands - with the five days spent on Atiu a definite highlight. The people were friendly and welcoming, and the weather was superb...not to mention the lovely beaches, forests and coffee plantations. I especially enjoyed the Coral Gardens and would recommend a visit to anyone! And don't forget a visit to the caves - don't forget your togs! No trip to Atiu is complete without a drink at a local Tumunu - excellent "wine" in excellent company.

Stayed at Atiu Villas

I shared the "family" unit with a few friends and it was just great. The hosts were very good at helping us organise our time there and arranged all manner of tours for us. The scooters they had for hire were great for getting around the island - enabling many a outing to the various beaches, where we could easily hop from beach to beach if the wind changed direction or someone else came along :-) The food was excellent, the beds were comfortable, and the people were great, what more do you need for a fantastic holiday ?? Can't wait to go back!!

Cam and Zeeb Mcnicol from Singapore (ex NZ) visited in June 2000.

We always visit the Atiu site when we need a lift. We miss you all and will be back again sometime.

Stayed at Atiu Villas

Fabulous people and a great place to stay.. Roger's dancing is better than mine but that doesn't mean much!!!

Rose Akava-Moodley from New Zealand visited in December 1998.

Kia Orana Kura & Roger,

I was looking for informations about Atiu and came across this beautiful and well maintained site. The photos brings back memories of my time growing up on a tiny and beautiful island of Atiu. My husband and I will one day would love to bring our son Teariki back to the homeland where his grannies and mother grew up. I am proud of my island to be seen around the world on this site. It is great to see and view the many differences on the island. The flowers are still blooming and the dancing girls are still smiling at the Pavillion and that's what I want to see.

Meitaki Maata

Rose Akava-Moodley
Papatoetoe
Auckland
New Zealand
Email: prajrose@ihug.co.nz

Baby Girl from New Zealand visited in December 1995.

Kia Orana ki te iti tangata o Enuamanu. Ko toku ingoa ko Annie Ngatokorima Inaina. Ko toku Papa ko Tupuna Teremoana Mingi. Ko toku mama ko Teururai Marurai Tai. Toku manako teia. I think ATIU is da bomb. My NAN AND PAPA live there and I miss them heaps.
Atiu is like a home away from home. E manea tikai toku enua. Enuamnu e, Atiu Nui Noku e.

Reply : Meitaki ranuinui no toou manako.