Aitutaki, Cook Islands: Must-do experiences for adventure travellers

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A holiday in Aitutaki is the experience of a lifetime; a breathtakingly beautiful lagoon of crystal-clear waters, filled with colourful tropical fish and edged with islands and islets of purest white sand.

You could happily snooze your days away in a gently swaying hammock, with nothing but a good book and a cocktail to keep you entertained. However, this stunning South Pacific island also offers plenty of thrills if you’re more of an “active relaxer”. These are some of our favourite adventures on offer in Aitutaki:

1. Tiny One Foot Island, known locally as Tapuaetai, is one of 22 islets that encircle the turquoise waters of Aitutaki’s famous lagoon. You can visit the island as part of a guided lagoon cruise, arriving in time to enjoy a bbq lunch beneath the island’s palm trees and have your passport stamped at the island’s tiny post office.

Alternatively, you can charter a private boat, pack a picnic, and spend the day marooned, enjoying the island’s Robinson Crusoe vibes. Wait for low tide and you can even wade through the shallow water and along a vast sandbar of white sand to reach one of our favourite viewpoints of the lagoon and its motu (islands).

2. With much of Aitutaki rising only a few metres above sea level, you don’t have to overly exert yourself to reach its highest point, Maunga Pu, which is located at the northern end of the largest island, Ootu. The walk only takes around fifteen minutes each way and it’s a relatively easy climb, but you’ll still find yourself breathless by the time you reach the summit, thanks to the incredible 360-degree views.
3. When you visit the Cook Islands, don’t miss the opportunity to share in the cultural heritage of its indigenous Polynesian people. In Aitutaki, there are several resorts that offer island nights at which you can experience local cuisine, music and dancing.

As the sun sinks into the ocean, you’ll be treated to a spectacular dinner that showcases the finest island flavours, accompanied by live music, fire dancing and singing. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even join the dancers.

4. The turquoise waters of Aitutaki are teeming with marine life, including yellowfin tuna, giant trevally, wahoo, marlin and mahi mahi: great news if you fancy the opportunity to catch your own dinner.

Whether you opt for game fishing, spear fishing or bottom fishing, a guided fishing charter means you don’t have to be an experienced fisherman to test your luck. Your guides will ensure you are well prepared (and they know all the best spots).

5. Although Aitutaki remains one of the South Pacific’s finest honeymoon destinations, you don’t have to be a newlywed to enjoy taking the plunge. It’s a fantastic destination for scuba diving and snorkelling, blessed with crystal-clear waters that are teeming with fascinating fish and vibrant coral reefs. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a complete beginner, your Aitutaki dive charter can be tailored to your level of expertise, and comes complete with the unique possibility of swimming with sea turtles and manta rays.

Spend an idyllic half-day or full day exploring the inner and outer reefs, complete your open-water dive certification, or simply dip your toe into the underwater world with an introductory diving or snorkelling experience. Between July and October, you may even be lucky enough to share the ocean with migrating humpback whales.

6. Explore the sparkling waters of Aitutaki’s famous lagoon at your own pace, while keeping an eye out for sea turtles and other fascinating marine life. You can hire a Hobie cat, windsurfer, kite surfer, e-foil, kayak or paddle board, and lessons are available for all levels of ability if required.

If you’re more of a beach lover, there are endless options to choose from dotted around the lagoon, including tranquil Ootu Beach and uninhabited Honeymoon Island.

Although generally considered a luxury destination, the accommodation options for your Aitutaki adventure range from luxury villas to simple apartments, and all of them are located within a coconut’s throwing distance of the blue lagoon that surrounds this island paradise. We can think of very few more blissful ways to wake up than the sound of tiny waves gently washing onto the beach just a few feet from where you sleep (or closer, if you opt for the ultimate luxury of an overwater bungalow).

The flight from the Cook Islands’ gateway of Rarotonga to Aitutaki takes forty minutes, and the journey is an adventure in itself. Air Raro’s small planes seat a maximum of 34 passengers, so every seat is a window seat. From high above, the ocean is an endless expanse of rippling sapphire silk that turns to turquoise where it meets the tropical islands and islets of Aitutaki.

Whether you visit Aitutaki on a day trip from Rarotonga or you’re planning a longer stay, your personal travel manager can help you plan an experience that offers the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation and barefoot luxury.

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