The Experience Aitutaki is a journey to a paradise.
Imagine a place so secluded and romantic that everything get put on hold, your phone, laptop and the time stops! There is no other place like this one.
Its islets are sprinkled across a vast, turquoise, sunlit lagoon that’s so sunlit and perfect, it could be an Instagram filter come to life.
Whether you’re seeking a heartfelt retreat or just hideout from your kids (because who doesn’t need a break?), Aitutaki is the ultimate gateway for making unforgettable memories—remember to turn your phone back on when it’s time to go home!
A Day Tour
During our visit to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, we took a day tour to Aitutaki. It was a delightful adventure that felt like a scene straight out of a postcard!
How to Get There
Getting to Aitutaki is a breeze, thanks to direct flights that run exclusively from the Cook Islands. Just remember, you’ll need to travel to Rarotonga first, which you can reach from New Zealand, Australia, or Hawaii.
To kick off your adventure, start by booking an international flight to either Auckland, New Zealand; Honolulu, Hawaii; or Sydney, Australia. After that, you’ll want to grab a flight to Rarotonga (airport code: RAR). You have some great airline options like Air New Zealand, Hawaiian Airlines, or Jetstar to choose from!
Once you land in Rarotonga, you can hop on a flight with Air Rarotonga, which has daily flights to Aitutaki. They typically offer several flights a day, six days a week, with one flight on Sundays. Since these flights can fill up fast, it’s a good idea to book in advance. For the latest flight details and to make your reservations, check out the Air Rarotonga website – airraro.com.
🤩First Impression
Forty-five minutes after arriving in Aitutaki, we admired the breathtaking sight of vibrant blue waters that surrounded numerous islands. The view was like stepping into a postcard, making it feel as though we had entered a dreamy paradise.
While the island may seem small on the map, its expansive nature becomes evident once you’re here. The landing strip is impressively short, which adds an element of excitement to the approach as the plane skillfully navigates this tricky maneuver.
It’s genuinely fascinating to see how pilots master such challenges!
Upon our landing, A friendly guide welcomed us onto a bus that would take us on a tour of the island. This experience offered us valuable cultural insights and a deeper understanding of the daily lives of the islanders. It was a great opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local way of life.
☝️Interesting facts about Aitutaki
🕵️♂️Crime around here is low, but when it does happen, it’s usually just some light petty theft or the occasional burglary. But get this: there’s no jail on the island! Instead of serving time in a cell, if you get caught for a minor offense, your punishment involves community service. You might find yourself scrubbing the guards’ floors.
Or maybe you’ll be doing laundry for your neighbors, folding their underwear like a pro. And if you’re really lucky, you might just get drafted as the community gardener, digging in the dirt and chatting with the flowers.
It’s a quirky way to keep everyone in check, and honestly, it beats being behind bars any day!
🌀In February 2010, Aitutaki was hit by a powerful cyclone, which unfortunately caused damage to about 80% of the homes.
Thankfully, there were no reported fatalities, just a few minor injuries. The good news is that New Zealand stepped in to lend a helping hand!
They sent an Air Force cargo plane and an Army engineering team to assist the wonderful locals in rebuilding their beautiful island and bring back the island’s charm! I think that’s really cool! What do you think?
👩👩👦👦Even though Aitutaki is a small island, it boasted a population of around 1,800 people in the 2021 census.
It’s the second-largest island in the Cook Islands, which is pretty impressive! I guess when you have a slice of paradise like this, it’s no surprise that so many people want to call it home.
Living here must feel like winning the lottery—just without the ticket!
🐕In Aitutaki, dogs are not allowed!
There is a law prohibiting them, stemming from a legend about a chief’s daughter who was bitten by a dog long ago. Following this incident, her father banned dogs from the island.
So what do you find in their place? An abundance of cats and a lively crowd of roosters and chicks wandering around! It’s like a furry and feathery party—without any barking!
♟️The Experience
As we board the boat, we are immediately enveloped in the cheerful island atmosphere, filled with music and positive energy all around! Our adventure will take us to some incredible little islets, starting with Akaiami and then moving on to Moturakau. We’ll have the opportunity to snorkel and explore the stunning corals and vibrant fish. To top it all off, we will conclude our journey at the breathtaking One Foot Island!
🏝️Akaiami Island
The stunning blue waters surrounding this island are home to the Cook Islands’ very first international airport!
Back in the 1950s, it was a popular stopover for TEAL, which stands for Tasman Empire Airways Limited, as part of their scenic Coral Route for flying boats. They would land here mainly to refuel, and passengers had the delightful opportunity to step onto Akaiami’s gorgeous beaches while waiting for the plane to be fueled up.
Imagine enjoying the beautiful lagoon during that wait! Today, you can still spot the remnants of the old TEAL wharf, a little piece of history that adds to the charm of this lovely island.
🏝️Moturakau Island
It boasts a fascinating history that adds to its allure as a travel destination. This island served as the filming location for popular television shows, including “Survivor” and “Shipwreck: Battle of the Islands,” drawing adventurers and reality TV fans alike.
From the 1930s until 1967, it also housed a leper colony, providing a unique glimpse into the past and the challenges faced by its residents. During our tour, our knowledgeable guide shared intriguing insights about the island’s diverse environment, including its lush vegetation and wildlife, as well as the unique aspects of island life.
We also learned the practical skill of obtaining coconut water, a refreshing and hydrating drink, should one ever find themselves stranded on this beautiful yet remote island like this one.
🤿Snorckling Adventure
Our snorkeling experience was absolutely incredible. The company provided snorkeling equipment, including masks and fins, along with fresh towels, which was a thoughtful touch. It made the journey back much more comfortable, as dealing with wet towels and swimsuits while flying is quite inconvenient.
During our adventure, we had the opportunity to swim alongside majestic giant trevally, which glided gracefully through the vibrant underwater world.
We also encountered a lively array of small striped fish that darted playfully around us. The water was remarkably clear, allowing us to see every detail of the coral reefs and marine life below. The vibrant colors and diverse ecosystems made for an unforgettable experience in the ocean.
🏝️ One Foot Island
We made a delightful stop at One Foot Island, an idyllic spot known for its stunning turquoise waters and pristine white sandy beaches. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch on our boat, savoring fresh seafood and tropical fruits while basking in the warm sunshine.
Afterward, we had a few blissful hours to explore the island’s natural beauty, lounging under swaying palms and strolling along the shoreline. The vibrant colors of the surrounding landscape and the soothing sound of the waves made for an unforgettable experience!
