Welcome to the ultimate guide to Aitutaki Island, the unspoiled gem of the Cook Islands. With its pristine beaches and breathtaking lagoon, Aitutaki Island is a paradise that lives up to every postcard-perfect image. Among the 15 islands that make up the Cook Islands, Aitutaki Island stands out as one of the most idyllic destinations.
If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful Cook Islands, a visit to Aitutaki is an absolute must. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about Aitutaki. From how to get there, best place to stay, to the best places to eat and the top things to do, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty and tranquility of Aitutaki, and discover why it’s a dream destination for travelers worldwide.
Where is Aitutaki Island?
Aitutaki would have to be the most famous Island in the Cook Islands. Its scenic beauty comes from its unique formation, which is part volcanic and part coral atoll. The Lagoon is a wonderful playground that stretches 12-15 kilometers wide. Protected by an outlying reef the lagoon boasts crystal clear water and dazzling white sandy beaches.
Aitutaki is the second most populated Island in the Cook Island’s and is home to around 2000 people. The pace of life is noticeably much slower and relaxed than Rarotonga. The main town in Aitutaki is Arutanga and if you blink you might miss it. There are only a handful of take away shops, 1 post office and 2 small super markets but this is what we loved about Aitutaki. We actually rode past the town on our bikes before realising that it was the main town.
How to get to Aitutaki Island?
When flying into Aitutaki nothing could prepare us for what we were about to see! The views from the small airplane were spectacular. We witnessed a long narrow shaped Island and surrounding lagoon. The water was so clear and turquoise that it looked like we were about to land on a tropical paradise. Island destinations are our favourite types of getaways and out of all the islands we have visited, this is by far the most pristine tropical Island we have ever seen.
Aitutaki is less than 1 hour flight from Rarotonga (Cook Islands main Island) and Air Rarotonga is the only flight company that flys direct to Aitutaki from Rarotonga. Flights depart up to 5 times per day and the small modern jet prop aircraft is comfortable and boasts incredible views of the pacific ocean.
If you don’t have time to stay on Aitutaki, Air Rarotonga offers a day trip which includes return flights to Aitutaki and a lagoon cruise with the popular Vaka cruise. So now you have no excuses not to visit this incredible Island Paradise and whether you visit for a day or stay longer you will leave with nothing but wonderful memories.
Check out Air Rarotonga’s prices to fly to Aitutaki here.
Best way to explore Aitutaki Island?
When it comes to exploring Aitutaki, a small but stunning island in the Cook Islands, public transportation is not available. However, there are several convenient options to get around and experience all that Aitutaki has to offer. One popular choice is to rent a scooter, which typically costs around $20 NZ per day. It’s important to note that if you don’t possess a moped or motorcycle license, you’ll need to apply for one in Rarotonga before renting a scooter on Aitutaki.
If you prefer four wheels over two, car rentals are also available. Check out the car prices offered by Rino’s Rentals for a convenient way to travel around the island. For a more eco-friendly option, consider renting a push bike. Keep in mind that while biking into town is feasible, the island’s larger size might make it challenging to cycle around completely. Certain resorts, such as Pacific Resort, provide complimentary bicycles for their guests. During our stay, we utilized the bikes to ride into town for additional supplies. Additionally, we rented a scooter from the resort for $25 NZ per day to explore the Island further. With these transportation options, you’ll have the freedom to explore every corner of Aitutaki and make the most of your visit to this captivating island.
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Where to stay in Aitutaki?
Aitutaki offers an incredible Island experience no matter where you choose to stay, thanks to its small size. While accommodation options are limited, the best areas to consider are the north-west and the fish hook end of the island. These locations boast the finest beaches, lagoons, resorts and restaurants.
For a luxurious stay, we highly recommend Pacific Resort Hotel, situated on the sunset side of the island. This award-winning resort features two renowned restaurants, a spa, and an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Our beach bungalow provided breathtaking ocean views, complete with a hammock and deck chairs on the beach. The room rate includes a delightful à la carte breakfast, allowing us to savor different delicious dishes each morning.
During our visit, we were delighted to discover that the Black Rock bar had named their “Cocktail of the day” after us. The “Griffin” cocktail, a delightful blend of gin, fresh lime juice, sugar cane syrup, and soda water, served as a wonderful welcome surprise.
Upon arrival at Aitutaki Airport, we were warmly greeted by the friendly Pacific Resort staff, who provided complimentary airport transfers. We were escorted to a dedicated area within the airport exclusively for guests, where we received beautiful handcrafted flower leis and chilled towels for a refreshing welcome.
To explore Pacific Resort Hotel’s prices and availability, check out their website here.
Our Beach Bungalow
We stayed in the beach bungalows room right on the beach. Inside the bungalows the wooden interior allows for a lot of natural light to come in. Rooms are equipt with aircon, robes, fridge, glass filtered water bottles that are filled up every day, complimentary tea and coffee, balcony with ocean views, 2 chairs and coffee table outside where you can enjoy a coffee while watching the sunrise or sunset.
Pacific Resorts romantic dinner on the beach.
For the guests that would like to spoil their special someone, Pacific Resort Aitutaki can set up a romantic dinner experience right on the beach. A table is set up with white curtains and candles. With views of the sunset and your own personal waiter, it’s a romantic way to celebrate that special occasion or to just enjoy a romantic dinner for 2. For anyone with dietary requirements or if you are vegan the chef also prepares a seperate vegan menu.
To book a romantic dinner at the incredible Pacific Resort Aitutaki click here.
Other places to stay in Aitutaki?
Mid Range: Aitutaki Seaside, Aitutaki Escape, Kuru Club
Budget Range: Gina’s Garden Lodge, Reef Motel, Matriki Beach Huts
Best places to eat in Aitutaki Island?
There are only a handful of take away shops and restaurants on the Island but here are our favourite places to eat in Aitutaki.
- Black Rock Bar and Rapea Bay Restaurant – Pacific Resort is known for having two of the best restaurants on the Island. Happy hour cocktails are available from 4pm to 5pm at Black Rock Bar. Enjoy a selection of cocktails pool side before watching the sunset from the best spot in the Island. From light delicacies to full course gourmet specialties, its the perfect location for those looking to relax, unwind and enjoy a delicious meal while on Aitutaki.
- Koru Cafe – A popular cafe on the Island, Koru offers out door seating and serves a wide range of hearty meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. From delicious toasted sandwiches, seafood, burgers , amazing coffee, milk shakes and much more. It has anything your taste buds desire and all within reasonable pricing.
- Blue Lagoon Restaurant and Bar– If you would love to have views of the world famous lagoon here is the ideal spot. From the restaurant enjoy the stunning views
ofthe blue lagoon and some other Islands. Its a great spot to enjoy water sports then chill out with a cocktail. You are after all, on holiday! - MVA’s Tunu2nu– in town is a small fast food take away shop located across the general store. The staff are very friendly and they make fast food like burgers, chips, and sandwiches for a very affordable price. Expect to see chickens and roosters walking around. Make sure to try the famous fish burger.
Best things to do on Aitutaki Island?
Relax on the beach
You will be doing plenty of this while on Aitutaki. Whether it’s relaxing in front of your hotel or in the world famous lagoon, there is no place more pristine than the beaches of Aitutaki. Enjoy being on Island time and be sure to get your daily dose of vitamin sea.
Chill poolside
Who would say no to chilling by the pool or sipping on a cocktail poolside? Even if you’re not much of a drinker, just relaxing in the sun or on sun bed by the pool is heaven. It’s the perfect way to wind down for a glorious day on Aitutaki Island.
Hire a scooter and explore the Island
Scooter hire is available from 2 different locations on the Island. Popoara Rentals and Aquila Rentals and can cost about $20 NZ a day. We hired our scooter from the hotel Pacific Resort for $25 NZ a day. You will need to have a motor bike licence or have the Cook island scooter licence. Car hire is also available if you prefer to travel around in a vehicle. Check out car prices for Rino’s Rentals here.
We would recommend hiring a scooter so you have the freedom to explore the small Island. Drive to the north where the famous lagoon is or explore the quiet beaches in the south of the Island.
Most of the roads are accessible by car but if you are on a scooter you can take the unsealed roads, so who knows you might find a hidden treasure. Also you don’t have to worry about dogs running out on Aitutaki because there aren’t any! Dogs are banned from the Island but expect to see plenty of chicken’s roaming around.
Explore the famous Lagoon with Vaka Cruises
You cannot visit Aitutaki without exploring the world famous lagoon and surrounding motu’s (Islands) We had such a fun day out exploring with Vaka Cruises. Vaka cruises are an affordable group charter boat company that take you out on a beautiful wooden Polynesian inspired boat. The staff are amazing, knowledgeable, entertaining and super friendly.
We visited the stunning Akaiami Island and a few other Islands, swam with giant trevally, snorkelled with tropical fish, giant clams and beautiful coral formations. For lunch we had a bbq lunch cooked on the boat with a variety of salads, fruit, fresh coconuts, vegetables and fish. After lunch it was to the last and the best location for the day – the beautiful One Foot Island. 6 hours of sun, ocean, live music, pristine Islands and fun!! It’s a must do when in Aitutaki.
Vaka Cruises includes complimentary pick up from your accomodation in Aitutaki, coffee, tea, water, towels, snorkelling equipment and flippers. Click here to book a fun day exploring Aitutaki Island with Vaka Cruises.
Air Rarotonga offer day trips to Aitutaki from Rarotonga and include a full day lagoon trip with Vaka Cuirses. Book Air Raro’s Aitutaki Day Tour here.
See the incredible One Foot Island and get your passport stamped.
One Foot Island Beach is the highlight of a pristine islet with a rare natural beauty. The world famous picturesque beach won the World Travel Award for the best beach in Australasia. It is breathtaking in its idyllic landscape, powdery white sand, warm azure water, palm and coconut trees. Frolic in the water, swim across to the other side of the islet or snap some photos in the famous hanging coconut trees. The last Island on the Vaka Cruise and they definitely saved the best until last!
One foot Island is home to the smallest post office on the world. Make sure to bring your passport to get a stamp of One Foot Island. Its great memento to look back on from your trip to Aitutaki.
Go for a Kayak or Paddle Board
A great way to have some fun on the water and keep yourself active is going for a kayak or paddle board. Near Ootu beach there are a few stalls located on the beach that hire out kayaks. Pacific Resort Aitutaki hire both out to guests at no cost. In the afternoons we loved going out for a paddle while enjoying the sunny weather and clear water.
Take photos wearing a traditional head ‘ei
You can’t travel to one of the most beautiful Islands in the world and not snap some Instagram photos wearing the traditional flower head garland. A flower head ‘ei’ is beautiful and a traditional accessory for Cook Islands women. I brought my artificial one from the local shop in Aitutaki and loved wearing one in the water. It added to the Island vibe and I hardly took it off. Head Ei’s range in different styles and colours, all of them strikingly beautiful, Its hard to pick just one!
See a Cultural Island show
Enjoy a great night with live permformances, traditional song and dance preformed by local Aitutakians accompanied by island drummers, guitarists and ukulele players. Be amazed by the talented fire dancers and feast on all you can eat buffet. Its a great way to immerse yourself in cook Islands culture.
We walked down to Tamanu Resort just to watch the Takurua cultural show. “Takurua” is a special feast and fire-dance show, tickets cost $75pp.
Pacific Resort have Island nights every Wednesday night, Tamanu Beach Resort every Thursday night and Blue Lagoon Restaurant and Bar on Tuesday nights.
Hike to the top of Aitutaki for incredible views of the Island
To get a real sense of scope of Aitutaki’s beauty take a hike up to Mount Maungapu. The highest point in Aitutaki takes only 30 minutes to reach the 124 meter top.
Another short hike is Piraki Lookout which has incredible 360 views of Aitutaki and its beautiful lagoon. You can walk, cycle or drive to Piraki Lookout. It’s a popular spot to have a picnic and watch the sunrise or sunset.
Explore all of the beaches on Aitutaki Island
Every part of beautiful Aitutaki Island is worth exploring. Who knows what incredible beach you might find down a jungle track. We loved the beach in front of our Pacific Resort bungalow but our other favourite beaches to see were Ootu beach near the Lagoon. Ootu beach has beautiful sand beaches and at low tide sand bars appear. Here you can enjoy lots of all water sports!
While exploring on our scooters we found a quiet beach right near the airport on the west side of Aitutaki. This pristine stretch of beach is protected by an outer reef and had the clearest water.
Go snorkelling or diving to see the incredible underwater marine life
The lagoon in Aitutaku is well known for having incredible snorkelling spots. There are a number of tour companies that can take you to great snorkelling locations where you could even see turtles. If you prefer to dive check out Dive Aitutaki.
We went snorkelling with the Giant Trevelles, Giant clams and tropical fish while out on the Vaka Cruise. While staying at Pacific Resort we had complementary snorkels and masks in the room and we would snorkel just out front of the resort. We seen plenty of fish, starfish and an abundance of sea cucumbers.
Enjoy a romantic dinner on the beach
You dont need a special occasion here to enjoy a romantic dinner for two. Rapae Bay restaurant at Pacific Resort can arrange a private romantic dinner for two in a ‘Santuary’ surround by candles, lanterns and red roses. We booked to have dinner on the beach for our last night at Pacific Resort. Earlier on in the day the chef came and showed us his vegan menu and asked if we would like to have him make something that wasn’t on the menu. We chose the pumpkin and eggplant lasagne and the vegetable curry. We had our own personal waiter Zoe who made our night so memorable. Her friendly face and warm personalty made it a night we won’t forget.
Please note that you can have dinner at the restaurant or if you want something more romantic you can book to have the ‘sanctuary’ setting at an additional cost.
To book a romantic dinner at the incredible Pacific Resort Aitutaki click here.
So there you have it, our guide to Aitutaki Island. Even though our time on Aitutaki was short but sweet, visiting this idyllic Island was a highlight of our Cook Island’s trip. You only need a few days on Aitutaki to experience its true beauty and you will leave with wonderful memories of the worlds most beautiful atolls. You won’t want to leave!!! If you would like to read more on the Cook Islands be sure to check to our guide to Rarotonga here.
Meitaki , Thank you for reading this blog. We hope you find it helpful and that it has inspired you to visit Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. You won’t be disappointed.
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