Aitutaki

Aitutaki (18.02sq.km/11.17sq.mi) - which is almost an atoll - is a popular holiday island, particularly for day or longer excursions from Rarotonga. It consists of a main island of deeply weathered basalt (area 16.8sq.km/10.41sq.mi), which is surrounded by a wide lagoon. Its highest hill is Maungapu (124m/406ft). The lagoon, which at many points is shallow, is surrounded by a triangular barrier reef marking the outline of the volcano that rises from a depth of 4000m/13120ft below sea level.

Picture - View of the lagoon at Aitutaki.

View a slideshow of Aitutaki Pictures

On the eastern reef are 12 small coral islands (motus) with a total area of 2.2sq.km/1.36sq.mi. The only sand island is on the southwestern reef. Two little basalt islets, Rapota and Moturakau, lie off the reef in the southwest of the lagoon. All 15 motus are fringed with coconut palms. The coastal areas of the main island also have coconut and pandanus palms. The scanty vegetation of the higher islands reflects the fact that they have less rainfall than Rarotonga.

On the west side of the island there is a gap in the reef that allows boats and motor lighters access to the little harbor of the chief place on the island, Arutanga, in which are the island's post office, administrative offices, hospital and shops. There are other small settlements in the north and east of the island, easily reached on good roads. Most of the accommodations for visitors are on the west side of the island, in sight of the lagoon. Aitutaki's main source of income apart from tourism is its banana plantations.

Related Attractions

Lagoon

Aitutaki's main attraction is the beautiful large lagoon with clear turquoise water. Twenty-one small islands (motu) line the outer edge of the lagoon, some of which can be visited on lagoon cruises or tours.

Lagoon Cruises

Lagoon cruises take visitors on tours of the lagoon and surrounding islands. Trips vary in length and itinerary.

Maina

This small island in the southwest corner of the lagoon offers good snorkeling opportunities. It is also known as a nesting place for the red-tailed tropicbird.

Tapuaetai (One Foot Island)

Tapuaetai, or One Foot Island, as it is more commonly known, is the most visited motu. It is famous for it's beautiful white sand beach and shallow lagoon which stretches to neighboring Tekopua. There is no coral here and it is not a good snorkeling area.

Akaiami

Akaiami was the terminus for the old TEAL flying boats which landed in the lagoon in the 1950s. A small, rustic resort has recently been built on the foundations of the original terminal. The old wharf is still in place.

Arutanga, Cook Islands

Arutanga is the main settlement on Aitutaki. Of interest in the town is the 1828 CICC church, the oldest in the Cook Islands. There are a few craft stores in town and a pleasant harbor front area.

New Jerusalem

New Jerusalem, built in the 1990s, is a small settlement of Free Church members. All of the buildings are constructed of native materials in old style Cook Islands architecture.

Maungapu

Maungapu is the highest point on Aitutaki, at 124m/406ft. A short hike leads to the top offering fine views over the lagoon and island.

Rapota

Rapota, a small motu near the southeast corner of the lagoon, once housed a leper colony.