Aitutaki Island Travel Guide
Idyllic Cook Island Holiday Destination
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A visit to the Cook Islands is not complete without seeing the beautiful island of Aitutaki. The breathtaking allure of its crystal clear turquoise waters and sparkling white beaches is an essential ingredient in any Cook Island holiday. Aitutaki is a place of unsurpassed natural beauty and tranquillity, providing a simple tonic to sooth away the pressures of the outside world.
Visitors who stay should set their watches to “island time”. In this laid-back atmosphere you will find a variety of accommodation facilities, an assortment of different shops scattered throughout the villages and a number of restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.
Aitutaki is 220 kilometres north of Rarotonga and less than an hour’s flight away. A triangular-shaped 'almost'-atoll rising up 4000 metres from the floor of the Pacific Ocean. It consists of three volcanic and 12 coral islets It is partly volcanic and partly of atoll origin. Its highest hill, Maungapu is said to be the top of Rarotonga’s Raemaru Peak, brought back by victorious warriors.
The first settlers arrived in Aitutaki around 900 AD and one of its great legendary Polynesian discoverers was Ru who named it Utataki Enua O Ru Ki Te Moana. Roughly translated, this means The Leading of a Cargo of People by Ru Over the Ocean. It can be inferred that Aitutaki was, therefore, the ultimate destination of one of the great Polynesian ocean voyages.
The first recorded discovery by Europeans was Captain Bligh on the "Bounty". He arrived on 11 April 1789 and shortly afterwards the famous mutiny occurred. Bligh returned later on July 25 1792. He is credited with introducing the paw paw fruit to Aitutaki and this is now an important export product from the Cook Islands.
Aitutaki lagoon was the a re-fuelling stop for TEAL (now Air New Zealand) flying boats travelling the renowned ‘Coral Route’ through the South Pacific.
Attractions in Aitutaki Island
The first missionary to the Cooks, John Williams, landed on Aitutaki before any of the other Cooks and there is a large, airy coral block church in Arutanga, the main township, which bears testament to his success in converting the people to Christianity.
Activities in Aitutaki Island
If you visit on a day trip from Rarotonga this may include an island tour; a lagoon cruise to visit Tapuaetai (One Foot Island); lunch prepared for you whilst you relax and work on your tan, explore the beaches, go snorkelling, hand feed the fish – an unforgettable experience.
Snorkelling can be enjoyed virtually anywhere around the island. A prolific abundance of tropical marine life, colourful fish and interesting corals can be viewed by anyone who can snorkel. Ask locally for the most interesting and safest places to visit and remember to protect this fragile environment.
Viewing the colourful marine life is made easy when cruising the lagoon by glass-bottom boat, or perhaps by a semi-submersible that also takes you beyond the reef. For fast, breathtaking fun, high-speed tours beyond the reef will get you close to whales (in season) and provide stunning views.
Game and sport fishing can provide an exhilarating day’s outing just beyond the reef. With no lengthy journey to fishing areas, the action commences as soon as you leave the boat harbour. For the expert or beginner, charter game fishing is very affordable and a fishing expedition can be tailor made to suit your needs. Charter operators provide all the gear necessary for every type of fishing, including saltwater fly and light-tackle sport fishing.
Windsurfers, sailboats, catamarans and kayaks are available for hire.
Relaxing
Relaxing couldn't be easier, simply lie back and chill out on the fantastic beaches that encompass Aitutaki.
Getting Around
Air Rarotonga operate regular schedules to Aitutaki. One Day Excursions departing from Rarotonga in the morning and returning in the evening include hotel transfers, airfares, lagoon cruise, snorkelling and lunch.
As on Rarotonga, the popular mode of transport is the motor scooter.
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