‘Atiu’s barrier reef is close to shore. The surrounding lagoon is rarely more than 50m wide and its waters quite shallow. Taunganui Harbour, on the west coast where the water is clear and deep, is the best spot for swimming. The harbour is too small for large ships and is only accessible to barges or smaller boats. If you take stroll south of the harbour you'll come across the SV Edna wreckage of 1990. About 1km south is Oravaru Beach, where Captain Cook’s party made its landing.