Mauke

Mauke (18.4sq.km/11.4sq.mi) is the most easterly of the Cook Islands. The interior of the island is occupied by a much weathered basalt plateau with fertile soils, rising to a height of 30m/98ft, which is surrounded by a plain of coralline limestone up to 1.6km wide. In between the two there are occasional swampy depressions that are used for growing taro. The island is enclosed by a narrow fringing reef with a surf platform on the inner side. Six gaps in the reef allow small boats to reach the landing stages.

There are two villages on Mauke, one near Taunganui Landing, with the post office, school and administrative offices, the other on the central plateau, with the church and a number of shops. The villages are linked by a good road and another road runs round the island. There are a number of large limestone caves. Like Atiu, Mauke has beautiful beaches, but here too the nearby reef with its broad surf platform restricts bathing.