Mitiaro

Mitiaro is another island with a raised coral limestone plain. Its internal depression is mainly swamp land about 1 m asl. Therefore, the small village of Mangarei (population 230), lies on the shore line. The surrounding coral limestone plateau, the makatea, is no higher than 10 m asl. As a consequence of this, the caves soon end at a pool, although it is assumed that there is a further continuation below the water table.

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On the eastern side of the island, Vai Nauri is a brilliantly clear pool in a large chamber. The water falls from the stalactites like rain.

Vai Tamaroa is an open pool surrounded by cliffs about 10 m high. The cave below the pool is completely submerged.

Text from George Szentes (2004): Caves of the Cook Islands, The British Caver Vol. 127 Spring 2005, pp 1-12, 13 color pictures, 1 bw picture, 1 map. With kind permission of the author.