About Aitutaki - Cook Islands

The crystal clear Aitutaki Lagoon is the main highlight of visiting Aitutaki Island, the second most visited destination in the Cook Islands and a favorite with honeymooners.

Aitutaki's Geography

Aitutaki is approximately 136 miles north of Rarotonga and less than an hour's flight away. It rains less here then Rarotonga and the climate is warmer.

One of the largest atolls in the Cook Islands, Aitutaki measures approximately 18 kms wide by 19 kms long. The atoll is made up of rolling hills, flat coastal plains and a large clear turquoise lagoon enclosed with a surf-topped coral reef and tiny sandy cay islets (motus).

 

Aitutaki Island 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 spectacular lagoon (27 miles around) is abundant with colored fish of many varieties, its perimeter sprinkled with many small and charming uninhabited islands (motus).

In years gone by, Aitutaki lagoon was the a re-fuelling stop for TEAL (now Air New Zealand) flying boats traveling the renowned 'Coral Route' through the South Pacific.

Places to Stay on Aitutaki

Visitors who stay on Aitutaki should set their watches to "island time". In Aitutaki's 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. As on Rarotonga, the popular mode of transport is the motor scooter.

Aitutaki is a favorite destination for honeymoons.

» Browse Aitutaki Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts

Some resorts are very secuded, some offer overwater bungalows, while others are walking distance to restaurants, shops and activities. Contact us for assistance to find the best accommodation in Aitutaki for you.

» Browse All Aitutaki Hotels and Resorts

 

Air Flights to Aitutaki

Air Rarotonga operates regular schedules to Aitutaki daily except on Sunday. One-Day Excursions depart from Rarotonga in the morning and return in the evening and include hotel transfers, airfares, lagoon cruise, snorkeling and lunch.

Day trips from Rarotonga can include an island tour and lagoons cruise to visit Tapuaetai (One Foot Island). Lunch is prepared for you, whilst you relax and work on your tan, explore the beaches, go snorkeling, or hand feed the fish - an unforgettable experience.

Activities on Aitutaki Lagoon

The best way to see the island mainland is with a four wheel drive, or small scooter. Aitutaki has many roads crossing the Island, which provide endless opportunities to explore remote villages and plantations. On Aitutaki the roads are very quiet so you can safely bike, drive or walk.

Hiking
There are wonderful trails over the rolling hills and a fantastic panoramic view of the island and the lagoon at Mt. Maunga Pu, the highest point of Aitutaki Island. After your hike, you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the Island, the blue lagoon and the many offshore islands that fringe the coral reef.

Explore the Lagoon
Take a cruise around the lagoon and stop over at the many offshore islands or motus. A full day lagoon cruise includes visits to motus including One Foot Island, snorkelling and BBQ lunch. Half-day tours include either a champagne breakfast or a sunset tour.

Paddle your own kayak and do the exploring yourself. Visit as many of the uninhabited islands as you please.

For short lagoon excursions take a water taxi to the many snorkelling spots on the inner reef.

Spend a Day on Your Own Private Island
Water taxis are small fast boats that have an outboard motor attached to power them around the lagoon. They can take you off to your own private island so you can enjoy an intimate day with Aitutaki snorkelling, sunbathing or having a picnic and just relaxing in the gorgeous sunshine that you will only find in the Cook Islands, they will then come and pick you up after an amazing day out on you own.

SCUBA dive the Outer Reef
SCUBA diving Aitutaki Lagoon's outer reef can be exciting. Many areas are still unexplored. The travel time to the diving spots is less than 10 minutes.

The outer reef abounds with marine life and towards the end of the year (Oct- Dec) the great whales come to play. There is the shipwreck of the Alexander, which sank during the 1930's carrying a shipment of cars.

Fishing
Some of the best game fishing can be experienced in Aitutaki. You don't have to travel too far from the reef to catch the great Wahoo, yellow fin tuna, Mahi-Mahi or the elusive marlin.

Whether you are here to experience bone fishing (fly fishing) or tackle fish with the local fishing charters you are sure to succeed.