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The South Pacific
Destination Guides:
Exclusive Resorts:
Cook Islands: Exploring Aitutaki
The second most-visited island in the Cook Islands chain is the one most people see as reminiscent of old Polynesia. Pretty Aitutaki, about 225 kilometers (140 miles) north of Rarotonga, is a tiny hilly island located at the apex of a triangular barrier reef, lined with a series of thin, flat islands. The turquoise lagoon is stunning and the sandy white beaches are warm and welcoming.
Historians believe that the infamous Captain William Bligh was the first European to spot this island, shortly before his crew committed mutiny and sent him adrift in his ship – the HMS Bounty – off the island of Tonga.
While it’s true that Rarotonga has more to offer than Aitutaki, just by virtue of its size and geography, this island – just an hour’s flight from Rarotonga – is worth spending a little extra on airfare to visit. Many guests head to Aitutaki for just a day, which is probably ample time to explore. However, if you choose to stay for a few days, there are a number of excellent accommodations for your overnight visit as well as a handful of quality restaurants that offer a taste of the fine local food available in the Cook Islands, including incredible seafood dishes and succulent produce.
What to Do
Those traveling to Aitutaki on a one-day trip often opt to purchase a package plan that might include some sort of lagoon excursion and perhaps lunch on the beach. As a matter of fact, most Cook Islanders will tell you that the lagoon is the number one reason to visit this pristine island.
These tours generally include time spent exploring the lagoon by boat and perhaps a little fishing. Usually, the tours conclude with lunch and a trip to one of the small islands out on the reef, where guests can swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun. Lunch might include the fish you and your tour mates caught during the morning’s fishing excursion, served up with a side of local vegetables and other tasty island delights, like coconut cake.
If you want to scuba dive, you’ll need to head over the edge of the reef as the lagoon is too shallow for diving. A few outfitters have dive shops on the island.
At a few points along the lagoon, guests can also rent kayaks and enjoy rowing through the clear waters.
If you want to explore the land rather than the lagoon, consider renting a scooter and or bicycle. Both are quite affordable and a ride along the island’s coastal road is stunning.
While Aitutaki is not mountainous like the volcanic island of Rarotonga, avid trekkers can choose to hike to the island’s one high spot, Mount Maungapu, which stands at a height of about 124 meters (410 feet). The one mile hike is on a fairly well-groomed trail and the reward is a great view of the entire island and the beautiful azure lagoon. Tour operators suggest hiking to Mount Maungapu at sunset, when the scenery is especially breathtaking.