Lake Tiroto
Roto
The island's only lake, ringed by taro fields and reeds, with an underground tunnel linking it to the sea. A top spot for birdwatching.
Lake Roto lies in the low southwest of Atiu and is the island's only freshwater lake. It is surrounded by traditional taro fields and swamps, home to ducks, moorhens and wild eels, which local people catch using traditional methods. A natural limestone tunnel runs beneath the lake through the Makatea and out to the outer reef. Explorers can wade in with a guide, but they need sturdy shoes and a waterproof torch. Birdwatching tours around the lake can help you spot the reintroduced kura parrot and the kakerori flycatcher.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Taungaroro Beach
- Atiu Coffee Factory
- Tumunu Bush Beer Club
- Rimarau Burial Cave
- Oravaru Beach
- Orongo Marae
- Taunganui Harbour
- Anatakitaki Cave