Aitutaki Cook Islands
travel & accommodation guide
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The Cook Islands
Pacific Travel Guides
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Aitutaki
Cook Islands
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Aitutaki Cook Islands is a large and spectacular sunken lagoon almost the size of Rarotonga with one main island (Aitutaki) and about 20 small uninhabited islands (locally referred to as motu) along the edge of the fringing reef. Aitutaki is ideal for those who want to experience the slow and easy Polynesian lifestyle away from the more commercial tourist centre of Rarotonga, and to enjoy some of the finest palm fringed beaches in the Cook Islands.
The main island of Aitutaki Lagoon is much flatter than Rarotonga and much smaller being only about four miles long and just one mile across. Aitutaki has a true south seas atmosphere. The villages are small and sleepy and not a great deal happens here. There's not even a lot of attractions to see. It's simply a place to hire a bike and absorb the tranquillity of the South Seas lifestyle. Stay here for more than a few days and you'll learn how to truly kick back.
The large lagoon and uninhabited motus encircling the reef are Aitutaki's greatest attraction. There are several day cruises which explore the lagoon and motu and visit some fine palm-fringed sandy beaches, notably One Foot Island. All cruises depart early morning (connections with Air Rarotonga day excursions from Rarotonga) and offer snorkelling, barbecue lunch and then a few hours relaxing on the beach. It takes about an hour to cruise from Aitutaki to One Foot Island in the far south of the lagoon and it's possible to hire a boat and driver for the day to explore other islands.
Detailed Aitutaki Travel Guide
Accommodation on Aitutaki
Getting There
Air Rarotonga offer four daily flights from Rarotonga except Sunday - 45 mins - depart from 8am to 4.30pm and twice weekly connections via Atiu Island.
Cargo boats leave Avatiu Harbour for Aitutaki once or twice a month (18 hours).
Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Fiji Travel Guide
Samoa Travel Guide
Tonga Travel Guide
Tahiti Travel Guide
Hawaii Travel Guide
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