Aitutaki is an island located 235 km northeast of rarotonga. A little paradise means aitutaki, home to approximately 1800 people and the worlds most beautiful lagoon. Quiet place, but there is fishing, kayaking, swimming snorkeling and good food. The main cook islands language is rarotongan maori.
Aitutaki lagoon 2020 all you need to know before you go. A visit to the multiaward winning, fivestar pacific resort aitutaki guarantees a truly unforgettable south pacific island escape. He is credited with introducing the paw paw fruit to aitutaki. During the season, tropical cyclones were officially monitored by the regional specialized meteorological center rsmc in nadi, fiji and. Luxurious pacific island holidayspacific resort aitutaki is our multiaward winning, fivestar resort. Wherever rus homeland was, it had become overcrowded, so ru, his four wives, four brothers and their wives. Teking lagoon cruises aitutaki tours excursions charters. Amuri te upoko enua ureia uriuri a punga arutanga rutanga o te toa reureu te mata o teerui nikaupara te maru o toi vaipae te vaipaepae o pau tautu titi ai tonga vaipeka te arekarioi.
An unspoiled paradise, complete with white sand beaches, blue lagoons, and lush green mountains. An island to oneself the story of six years on a desert island by tom neale. One foot island aitutaki 2020 what to know before you. Explore aitutakis sunrise and sunset, moonrise and moonset. Check the aitutaki climate guide before you book your next holiday. Teking lagoon tours are small and intimate, ensuring a more personal experience. Aitutaki atoll atoll, cook islands, pacific ocean britannica. Enjoy a beautiful romantic swim in the warm turquoise waters. Just offshore from avarua, you can see the rusted wreck of the matai jutting out of the water. One of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, it is home to pacific resort aitutaki a place where time passes slowly and the delights of island life are presented in luxurious surroundings. We didnt actually stay at aitutaki escape, but were lucky enough to dine there. The aqua water, foaming breakers around the perimeter reef and broad sandy beaches of its many small deserted islets make for a glorious scene. Lay back, soak up the island sun on the beach lounges. History and ethnic relations emergence of the nation.
This website provides an overview of the discovery and settlement history by early polynesian explorers together with facts and informtion about cook islands society today. Book aitutaki lagoon private island resortadults only in. While the natural beauty of maungapu and akaiami can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can check out aitutaki golf club. A trip to the te vara nui overwater night show is a must where you will get to see traditional dancing and learn more about the wonderful people of the. Relax with a intimate picnic on the alabaster beach of one of aitutakis minor islands, uninhabited and lined with swaying palm trees. Since the cook islands and aitutaki are south of the equator, the seasons are opposite to those of north america and europe. Local guides share their knowledge of the islands, their history and the culture that is aitutaki, cook islands. The majority of islands are low coral atolls in the northern group, with rarotonga, a volcanic island in the southern group, as the main administration and government centre. Surrounded by the breath taking, tranquil turquoise waters of aitutaki lagoon. Aitutaki, cook islands is in the middle of the south pacific ocean and centre of the polynesian triangle. Aitutaki, cook islands discover the fantastic colors of aitutaki and get lost in a dreamland that looks better than any postcard you have ever seen. Why the cook islands are the best south pacific bargain originally published june 23, 2017 at 6.
Ginas garden lodges aitutaki is located at the southern end of the lagoon island of aitutaki in the cook islands. Pacific resort aitutaki offers an intimate collection of just 29 luxuriously appointed bungalows and villas. The turquoise blue lagoon is widely known as the most beautiful in the world. You can experience the beauty and the bounty of aitutaki s lagoon and its many islands including one foot island right from the front door of your rarotonga hotel or accommodation all the way to our double hulled traditionally styled vaka cruising aitutaki s wide turquoise lagoon. Spend a day admiring the picturesque lagoon of aitutaki by opting for this vaka cruise. You wont have to worry about how to get to the boat as aitutaki pickup is included. Get a free trip quote and book one of ouraitutaki tours today.
The cruise will take you to scenic islets that would be hard to reach alone, such as motu akaiami, motu rakau, and motu tapuaetai. It is an experience no visitor to the cook islands should miss. Pacific resort aitutaki is a luxury 5star resort on the island of aitutaki. Secluded luxuryaitutaki is an idyllic paradise, an atoll of lush tropical vegetation and white sandy beaches ringed by the stunning azure lagoon. Aitutaki gets better weather then rarotonga, more sun and less rain, rarotonga with its large mountains traps the clouds and produces considerably more precipitation and cloudiness. Apart from being beautiful and pristine its not over run with tourists or big multi national companies. The cook islands library and museum houses a collection of rare books on the pacific, and the museum offers a glimpse of the cultural history of the islands. Why the cook islands are the best south pacific bargain the. Aitutaki information lagoon maps climate culture history. The main village is arutanga arutunga on the west side. In this area, no one was allowed to fish at any time. Aitutaki, cook islands choose a vehicle to suit your needs from our well maintained fleet from automatic scooters to fullyloaded cars, hatchbacks and vans, we have a vehicle to suit your needs and budget 4 door saloons, 4 door hatchbacks, 7. Check out our amazing gallery of pictures from aitutaki, a little corner of paradise in the cook islands.
Relax with a intimate picnic on the alabaster beach of one of aitutaki s minor islands, uninhabited and lined with swaying palm trees. On a visit to the cook islands last october, the tour guide on the island of aitutaki informed us that the airport runway was originally built by the usaf during wwii. Located in the stunningly beautiful aitutaki lagoon, marvel at the breathtaking turquoise waters that greet you every day. The small island is located in the middle of nowhere and hosts the most picturesque beaches that you can imagine. The cook islands contain 15 islands in the group spread over a vast area in the south pacific. Moss was concerned about crimes committed in the cook islands by. Long ago, one of the chiefs of aitutaki, seeing that there was not enough food for his people, created a fishing reserve to protect the resources of the lagoon. There are some variations in dialect in the outer islands.
Between april and mid december air rarotonga flies nonstop between aitutaki and atiu every monday, wednesday and friday making it convenient to visit both aitutaki and atiu in a single itinerary. Anne and henrys south seas wedding on aitutaki lagoon. The season officially ran from november 1, 2014 to april 30, 2015. Amazing aitutaki, a quick 45 minute flight from rarotonga, is located in the southern group of the cook islands. Choose between the spacious beachfront bungalows or villas. Aitutaki, cook islands this small island encased in a triangular barrier reef boasts incredible lagoons. The black pearls by richard macandrew the book of pukapuka by robert dean frisbie collected poems by alistair te ariki campbell the dark lord of savaiki. After rarotonga, aitutaki is our second most visited island in the cook islands. Journey to aitutaki, and discover why screen luminaries such as marlon brando, cary grant and john wayne were all drawn here by such incomparable beauty. Aitutaki has a unique geographical makeup the island is a volcanic atoll with the typical volcanic peaks in the center of the island with the encircling coral reef ringed by the off shore islands motus and the lagoon in the center. With less then a five minute drive from aitutaki airport you will find yourself among her 12 romantic, garden bungalows.
Air rarotonga operates regular scheduled flights and charter services to the other sister islands of the southern and northern cooks group and also weekly flights between rarotonga and papeete tahiti, french polynesia. Whether you are here on holiday, honeymoon, or celebrating a special occasion, teking can add that special something. South seas paradise, julian hillas aka julian dashwood 1965, robert hale. That is what the new normal looks like for school students in the cook islands. This tour is ideal for visitors who are only staying on rarotonga. On a clear day the fortyfive minute direct flight will treat you to spectacular views of the uninhabited islands of manuae and takutea enroute. This is island where cbs survivor cook islands filmed castaways were on an islet in the lagoonthe crew stayed on aitutaki. Did you book all accomodation in advance or you can easily find something there. Goway has been customizing cook islands vacations for 50 years and has the expertise and experience needed to turn your travel dreams into reality.
Aitutaki island is one of over 3,500 worldwide destinations available on hostelbookers. Considered one of the most magnificent lagoons in the world, with small uninhabited islands on its surrounding reef, it is unquestionably the most picturesque of the cooks southern group islands. Aitutaki cook islands cook islands vacation 202021. There is also a larger population of cook islanders in new zealand itself.
With a rich history and strong traditions, its great to come to the islands and discover more about the culture. Additionally the website covers much ground regarding the georgraphy of each island, including aitutaki. No sharing of pens and books, no assemblies and rugby on the field, no hugging your mates. Tourism facilities are well developed, but the total number of visitors a year remains a small fraction of those staying on the capital island, so aitutaki. Cook island maori is also referred to as te reo ipukarea or.
Aitutaki lagoon private island resort cook islands. Despite its heartbreaking beauty, aitutaki isnt yet flooded with tourists, due to its relatively difficulttoreach location. I found your blog couple days ago and its very usefull as i am just planning my trip to cook islands. Aitutaki is a rather flat island, the highest point of the island is mount maungapu, a hill that reaches. Understanding aitutaki culture before your cook islands. Aitutaki is the second most visited island of the cook islands. It was huge with a private pool, kitchen, huge bedroom living a area, outdoor shower and daybed pavilion all totally private in a fenced courtyard area. There are very few books written solely about aitutaki, but readers interested in learning about the island should not be discouraged, because there are numerous books written about the cook islands which include information on aitutaki. Aitutaki, the cooks secondmostvisited island, curls gently around one of the south pacifics most stunning lagoons.
Aitutaki was the first island to accept christianity in the cook islands, and they are proud of this significant history. Aitutaki is the ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world but there are also some gentle activities one can pursue, scuba diving, snorkelling, lagoon cruises, walkabouts or a visit to the church to name a few. A leading electronic authority on all things cook islands is. Popular cook islands nonfiction auckland libraries. This exclusive allbungalow resort is also the only private island resort in the cook islands and is the only one to. Archeologists trace the settlement of the islands to the fourth century c.
We know things are a bit different in the world right now, but some facts remain the same. Rarotonga, the principal island, is 2,500 miles due south of honolulu as far south of the equator as honolulu is. Aitutaki, cook islands has the same longitude as hawaii and the same latitude as hawaii except south of the equator instead of north. Aitutaki is 220 kilometers north and an easy 45 minute flight from rarotonga, the capital of the cook islands. The cook islands have their own very unique culture. The aitutaki day tour is an all inclusive tour starting from rarotonga international airport at 8. History of aitutaki lonely planet travel information. With its huge turquoise, sunlit lagoon decorated with 15 motu islets and an emerald green main island, aitutaki is undisputed one of the most beautiful of all south pacific destinations.
The 10 best aitutaki hotel deals apr 2020 tripadvisor. Tourism facilities are well developed, but the total number of visitors a year remains a small fraction of those staying on the capital island, so aitutaki still feels very unspoiled. The view when approaching by air is one of the most stunning sights that travellers to this part of the pacific will experience. Aitutaki the blue lagoon, cook islands, south pacific.
This beach is supposed to be one of the best beach in australasia. Pacific resort aitutaki cook islands black platinum. Even more than rarotonga, aitutaki s religious culture feels even more rooted in christian beliefs. The cook islands main population centres are on the island of rarotonga,007 in 2016, where there is an international airport. Luxury resort pacific resort aitutaki cook islands resort. It has powdery white sand, warm azure water and swaying palm and. From the air or on the water, aitutaki will take your breath away. It will be a challenge to top aitutaki escape and everything we experienced on the island.
Photo of polynesian voyaging society replica sailing sailing canoe, the hokulea after sailing from hawaii to aitutaki, cook islands. This small island encased in a triangular barrier reef boasts incredible lagoons. Aitutaki atoll is volcanic in origin and rises to about 450 feet 140 metres. Thus the cook islands was named in honour of captain james cook s extraordinary endeavors. Discover the areas water adventures with scuba diving and water skiing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with. Aitutaki is the second most popular destination to visit in the cook islands, with a friendly community with a population of approximately 1,200.
According to section 1 of the cook islands constitution, each island of the cook islands shall be deemed to include all smaller islands lying within 10 miles of the coast thereof. Browse the list above for details on all our hostels in aitutaki island and book aitutaki island hostels with no booking fee. This book traces the history and practice of tatatau tattoo in the cook islands through the ancient oral traditions of its people, reports of often repressive early. Collected poems by alistair te ariki campbell doctor to the islands by tom davis dont walk under the coconuts by robert lyman borden.
One foot island beach is the highlight of a pristine islet of aitutaki lagoon. Secluded and romantic, 15 motus islets are sprinkled across this huge turquoise, sunlit lagoon. History before you visit aitutaki, visit tripadvisor for the latest info and advice, written for travelers by travelers. This hideaway resort offers private beachfront accommodations, beautiful lagoon views and great spa facilities. At the top end of the scale are luxurious resorts that have won many international awards. Aitutaki atoll, one of the southern cook islands, a selfgoverning state in free association with new zealand in the south pacific ocean. The island occupies an area of only 18 sq km and is home to around 2,000 inhabitants. Published in both english and maukean mori,ei of mauke describes the tradition of making ei garlands in the island of mauke in the cook islands.
Various legends tell of early polynesian settlers arriving on aitutaki by canoe. Like the rest of the cook islands, sunday is a day of rest and relaxation on aitutaki. The first missionary to the cooks, john williams, landed on aitutaki before any of the other cooks and there is a large, airy coral block church in arutanga, the main township, which bears testament to his success in converting the people to christianity. We offer a great wealth of knowledge about aitutaki and the cook islands, from the village stores, the best snorkeling spots, their recommended lagoon cruise operators and links to the local traditions and cultural activities. The cook islands, named after the british captain who seems to have been everywhere in the pacific, are scattered like tiny jewels over a large stretch of sea between tahiti and samoa. The 10 best aitutaki hotels where to stay on aitutaki, cook. As tourism is a main source of income in the islands kitesurfing accounts for over 50% in the island. Explorers following however left a somewhat less tranquil wake the highly questionable captain william bligh first sighted aitutaki probably the most glorious of all the islands in 1789 and hot on his heels after the bloody mutiny on the bounty, that buccaneer fletcher christian sailing in blighs very own vessel, sighted rarotonga. Photo of outrigger sailing canoe, aitutaki, cook islands by ben grummels. Its been a while since ive read a novel based upon the cook islands but several. Monthly weather statistics including for temperature, rainfall and sunshine to aitutaki, cook islands. Book your dream holiday to pacific resort aitutaki. The books most travellers are concerned with are travel guides.
Its only 220 km or a 45minute flight from rarotonga. If you want to read about aitutaki and the cook islands i suggest you see my friend taoris labour of love about the cook islands if you want to buy books about the cook islands. The variety of accommodation available on aitutaki can cater to all tastes. Its 12 offshore islets, however, are low coral formations. Terei a cook islands romance aitutaki lagoon wedding and honeymoon.
Aitutaki features a main island arutanga which its highest point is 123 meters above sea level which is surrounded by a number of sister islands known as motus within the crystal blue lagoon. Aitutaki is the second most visited of the cook islands, and particularly popular with honeymooners. Aitutaki is one of the 15 tiny islands that make up the magical world of the cook islands, scattered over an area of 2. This island is after rarotonga the island of the cook islands most frequented by tourists. Rarotonga, the principal island, is 2,500 miles due south of honolulu as far south of the equator as honolulu. Rarotonga, the principal island, is 2,500 miles due south of honolulu as far south of the equator as honolulu is north of it a similarity that provides both. Were the cook islands close to invasion by japanese forces.
Get aitutakis weather and area codes, time zone and dst. Aitutaki lagoon private island resortadults only is located on a private beach and in an area with good airport proximity. History various legends tell of early polynesian settlers arriving on aitutaki by canoe. The first settler was ru, who according to various traditions came from either avaiki now called raiatea or from tubuai both in french polynesia. This category is for islands that lie within 10 miles of aitutaki. Books about aitutaki and the cook islands boing boing. The 15 islands of the cook islands are located in the south pacific, in the same time zone as hawaii. Did they also build the runway on the main island of rarotonga.
1102 654 743 1375 319 1037 988 1087 1143 802 406 140 251 468 407 419 512 360 603 1438 993 1291 1101 72 384 850 1063 216 428 183 1075 1001 377