Atiu Island, also known as Enuamanu (land of the birds) lies 187 kilometers northeast of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. Rarotonga is the Capital of the 15 islands and lies between Fiji and Tahiti in the South Pacific. The Atiu Island population of 571 (12/3/03) is divided into 5 villages that radiate out from the centre of the island on a flat-topped central plateau. At the edge of the plateau stands the Atiu Villas, Atiu's most developed and top vacation destination. Surrounding the plateau is a ring of taro water gardens and then the jungle clad makatea (fossil coral reef). Notched into the cliffs of makatea are over 28 beaches untouched and almost unvisited except by those seeking a beautiful, quiet, and secluded spot. The makatea is clad with jungle and riddled with caves. The dark of one cave, called Anataketake, is the home of the indigenous bird called the Kopeka. An excursion to this cave is conducted frequently and provides a real experience to nature lovers and bush walkers. There are many other caves and tourists could spend a week exploring underground caves and find even more caves to explore. It is cooler and breezier. Outside the central populated plateau are many nature walks through the lush tropical jungle. Being the land of the birds there are also specialized guided bird tours where guides explain the fauna and flora on Atiu as well as Atiu's part in the recovery program for a back from the brink Rarotongan bird called the Kakerori.