Overview

If you are seeking a place that has buildings no taller than a coconut tree, a country which only received it's third ATM in 2004, a place that boasts beautiful, deserted white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and some of the friendliest people in the world, then Cook Islands is for you.

Aitutaki is the second most visited of the Cook Islands, only a 50-minute scenic flight from Rarotonga and has charms all its own. This undiscovered paradise is a great location for destination weddings, honeymoons, or to relax and explore with family and friends.

Aitutaki offers a unique experience for travelers, with the crystal clear lagoon being the main highlight. Aitutaki sits at one corner of a triangular lagoon dotted with lovely motu (small islands).And it's historically interesting, with a number of impressive marae (pre-European religious meeting grounds) that are open to visitors. Aitutaki also has one of the best 'island nights' dance and music performances in the Cooks.

Although nearly everybody speaks Cook Islands Maori, English is universal, and the local people are very helpful and friendly in this relaxed atmosphere. Entertainment and dining in the Cook Islands are some of the best in the South Pacific. Cook Islanders share a genuine concern for others and their old culture lives on through song, dance, legends and an easy pace to life reflecting the nature of the islands in which they live. The current population in the Cook Islands is estimated at 17,000 people, with around 9,000 living on the main island of Rarotonga.

 Plan Your Trip

DIVING

The fringe reef of the Aitutaki Lagoon is an excellent diving area with walls, wrecks, caves, coral and good picturesque sea life. Aitutaki Scuba caters to the traveling diver, and their personnel are very knowledgeable of the reef. They offer dive courses, dive trips, first class hire equipment, safe boats and have an excellent safety record.

NATURE

The climate here is particularly comfortable and warm. June to August are the cooler months, while November to March is normally the wet season with tropical showers and higher humidity. With the changes in climate as they have been for the last two years, we have also seen unseasonal weather however you can be assured of rain and a good proportion of sunshine.

CULTURE

Their culture stems from the Polynesian arrival in the islands around 800 AD. Cook Islanders retain much of their culture and this is passed down from generation to generation. There are restored sites, maraes and a museum to see. Other culture is kept alive with dance and song, and these can be seen at the Cultural Village or at the special Island Nights at the main hotels.

DINING

The island has many eateries which include the restaurants at their leading hotels and resorts. There is great casual dining all day right on the beach as well cultural dinner shows and also some fine and more intimate dining.

 Forums

 News & Events

 Related Articles