Aitutaki
Cook Islands · Southern Cook Islands · 3 m
Description
Aitutaki is a small island in the Cook Islands, renowned for one of the South Pacific’s most spectacular lagoons. Its vast turquoise water is enclosed by a reef and dotted with small motu. One Foot Island is famous for its tiny post office, and lagoon cruises combine snorkeling, motu stops and beach barbecues. Arutanga, the main settlement, holds the historic Cook Islands Christian Church from the early missionary era. Beyond the lagoon there is kayaking, paddleboarding and the short climb to Maungapu, the island’s highest point. Aitutaki’s tranquil atmosphere and extraordinary lagoon make it the most celebrated destination in the Cook Islands after Rarotonga.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 7 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: April – October
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Aitutaki Lagoon cruise
- One Foot Island (Tapuaetai)
- Snorkeling with giant clams
- One Foot Island passport stamp
- Honeymoon Island
- Heaven Sandbar
- Maina Island
- Aitutaki Lagoon snorkeling
- Maungapu summit walk
- Stand-up paddleboarding & kayaking
- Aitutaki lagoon sailing
- Aitutaki fishing
- Arutanga 1828 Mission Church
- Arutanga village
- Aitutaki Marine Reserve
- Akaiami and the old flying-boat landing
- Aitutaki island cycling
- Aitutaki island road trip
- Sunset lagoon cruise
- Aitutaki lagoon sunset viewpoints
Getting there
- Airports:
- AIT
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry