Aitutaki Vacations

Aitutaki vacation is a romantic getaway to one of the most gorgeous lagoons in all off the South Pacific. Sometimes referred as ‘Bora Bora’ of the Cook Islands, Aitutaki is popular among couples seeking a tropical wedding or an exotic honeymoon.

You can visit the island as a day trip from Rarotonga, but spending a few days or even a week-long vacation on Aitutaki would give you the opportunity to really explore the island and relax in its’ beauty. 

The island served as a strategic airbase in World War 2 with the first flights landing in 1942. After the war, with a landing strip in place, Aitutaki was a stop on the TEAL (now Air New Zealand) famous Coral Route across the Pacific and thus helped foster the growth of tourism.

Aitutaki is a triangle-shaped atoll, with islands built around the breath-taking lagoon. The main island sits in the northwest corner and is home to all the Aitutaki villages, hotels, restaurants and the main village Arutanga. Along the eastern side is a string of small motus (islets). Rippling water, the kaleidoscope of bright tropical fish, blossoming frangipani and secluded beaches make this a remarkable vacation setting.

You can choose one of the two luxury resorts for your Aitutaki vacation. The sublime Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa is the only resort located directly on magnificient Aitutaki Lagoon. Located on the private island of Motu Akitua, the resort is just a two minute ride from the main island of Aitutaki by small private ferry, and also offers the Cook Islands' only overwater bungalows. The Pacific Resort Aitutaki was named the "World's Leading Boutique Island Resort" (World Travel Awards 2008) and is a member of the "Small Luxury Hotels of the World" collection.

There’s an array of water activities, such as snorkelling trips, boat cruises and sport fishing, you can enjoy during your Aitutaki vacation. The good visibility outside the reef offers a haven for scuba divers. There are wall dives and an underwater cave system to explore.You can get a scooter, bike or island tour that explores the back roads to the many maraes (sacred sites). Like Rarotonga, there are also coral-walled churches to visit.

Tapuaeta’i literally translates as “One Footprint” but is commonly referred to as “One Foot” Island. One of the highlights of your Aitutaki vacation will be a visit to this exotic and nearly deserted island. One of 22 islands in the Aitutaki atoll, One Foot Island is the most photographed islets in the South Pacific, no doubt because it is everybody’s idea of what their island would look like if they were Robinson Crusoe – white sand, bending palm trees with dazzling clear, blue waters. Bring your passport and have it stamped at the post office.

Whether you’re floating through the azure water on a lagoon cruise, enjoying the views from a shady beach bungalow or catching a scenic panoramic from the peak of Maunga Pa the highest hill on the island, your Aitutaki vacation will one to remember.