Welcome to my travel guide on Aitutaki! My name is Francesca and I’m a 26 year old from Mantova, a small town in northern Italy. In February 2022, my partner and I made the decision to move to Sydney – seeking a better life and to embrace the natural beauty that this country has to offer. Australia’s unique and wild landscapes were a big attraction for us.
With our base in Australia, we recently had the opportunity to visit the Cook Islands. We were captivated by the islands because of their pristine, unspoiled nature and rich culture. The decision to get married there made our trip even more special! Over eight days, we explored Rarotonga and Aitutaki – soaking in their stunning beaches and picturesque scenery.
The island of Aitutaki left an indelible impression on us. The water’s unbelievable shades of blue and its untamed wilderness took our breath away! Taking a boat tour to One Foot Island and snorkeling in the lagoon were unforgettable experiences. We encountered a diverse array of tropical fish and even spotted majestic turtles. One Foot Island stood out as my favorite place in the Cook Islands. With only 10 people on the island, it exudes peace and tranquility. All in all, Aitutaki felt like paradise on earth!
9 Best Things To Do in Aitutaki
1. Take a Boat Tour of the Aitutaki Lagoon
Experience the beauty of Aitutaki Lagoon with a four-hour boat tour that takes you to the lagoon’s best spots. This activity is perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts, offering crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. The tour provides opportunities to explore coral reefs and swim alongside tropical fish, making it one of the best adventures in the Cook Islands.
2. Get Your Passport Stamped at One Foot Island
Visiting One Foot Island in Aitutaki is a must for its unparalleled natural beauty. The island boasts powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and lush palm trees – creating a picture-perfect tropical paradise. It’s an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling and simply soaking in the serene surroundings. Beyond its stunning scenery, One Foot Island offers a unique souvenir: you can get your passport stamped at the island’s tiny post office. This quirky keepsake makes for a memorable experience!
3. Discover the Aitutaki Secret Garden
This lush tropical garden in Aitutaki is a haven for nature lovers. Boasting a wide variety of exotic plants and vibrant flowers, it offers visitors a delightful sensory experience. Stroll through the garden and immerse yourself in the fragrant scents and vivid colors of the flora. The tranquil atmosphere here makes it a perfect spot for relaxation and reflection.
4. Book the Vaka Cruise from Rarotonga
If you’re staying in Rarotonga and are short on time, the Vaka Cruise is a great way to discover Aitutaki. The experience includes flights, a day tour of Aitutaki (visits to islets, snorkeling and swimming) and a tropical buffet lunch aboard the cruise. Although this is a short trip, it will still give you the chance to get a taste of the raw beauty that Aitutaki has to offer: swaying palm trees, white sand beaches and shimmering blue waters!
5. Marvel at the Views from Piraki Lookout
Piraki Lookout offers panoramic views that make it a must-visit spot in the Cook Islands. Perched on a hill, the lookout provides sweeping vistas of the island’s lush landscapes, turquoise lagoon and surrounding coral reefs. It’s an ideal location for photography, capturing the natural beauty of Aitutaki from a high vantage point. The walk to the lookout is equally rewarding, with paths showcasing the island’s rich flora and fauna.
6. Buy Some T-Shirts or Hats at Stonefish Studio
Stonefish Studio is a cool little surf shop that sells some t-shirts, basketball style singlets, caps, strawhats and more. The oceansport and beachwear apparel on offer here goes beyond mere tourist souvenirs – you can find the perfect pieces of clothing to utilize on your holiday in the Cook Islands, whether for relaxing at the beach or going snorkeling.
7. Check Out the Island of Akaiami
Visitors to Aitutaki should head to Akaiami for its untouched beauty and historical significance. This island offers white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters – perfect for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing. Akaiami holds historical charm as a former stopover for TEAL flying boats on the famous Coral Route in the 1950s, adding a nostalgic touch to your visit.
8. Venture to the Pristine Moturakau Island
Moturakau is a deserted island, 15 minutes from One Foot Island, that you can visit on a lagoon cruise. It’s renowned for its beautiful beaches and turquoise waters, offering the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. The lush palm trees create a tranquil environment. The vibrant marine life and coral reefs surrounding the island make it a prime spot for underwater exploration – home to colorful fish and hermit crabs. Moturakau was used as the location for the British TV series, Shipwrecked.
9. Go Kayaking at the Beautiful Ootu Beach
Ootu Beach might just be the most beautiful beach in the Cook Islands! Although the strip of beach is small, it features white sand and some of the clearest waters on earth – with both shallow and deep swimming areas. The views out across the lagoon to distant islands makes the atmosphere even more special. Kayaking is a great activity to enjoy at Ootu Beach.
Tips for Visiting Aitutaki
- Accommodation: We opted for an Airbnb so we could immerse ourselves more in the local culture. However, Aitutaki offers a range of accommodations – from luxurious resorts like Pacific Resort Aitutaki to cozy traditional bungalows – ensuring there’s something for every traveler.
- How to Get There: The best way to reach Aitutaki is by flying from Rarotonga or other nearby islands. Our flight with Air Rarotonga took just 45 minutes in a small plane carrying a maximum of 20 passengers.
- When to Visit: While June to August is peak season, we visited in May and enjoyed perfect weather with sunny days and temperatures around 30 degrees. I can highly recommend going during this time of the year.
In sum, visiting the Cook Islands means embracing a unique Pacific island experience. There are no multinational corporations – instead, you savor delicious local cuisine. A local law prohibits buildings taller than coconut trees, preserving the islands’ nature. The locals are warm and hospitable, always ready with a smile and eager to help. Our time in the Cook Islands, particularly in Aitutaki, will forever hold a special place in our hearts!
