Aitutaki is the second most visited destination in the Cook Islands, and as you fly over and get your first glimpse of its magnificent coral lagoon you will begin to understand why. A combination breathtaking scenery, superb snorkelling and the friendly laid-back attitude of locals makes for an island escape that you will never forget.
Just 220 kilometres north of Rarotonga, Aitutaki is the only atoll in the six inhabited southern group islands. To get there visitors take a 45 minute flight from Rarotonga, on a modern SAAB 340 30 seat pressurised aircraft.
A number of first time visitors with limited time in the Cook Islands opt for the popular day-trip to Aitutaki, including a lagoon tour complete with snorkelling and a fresh fish lunch. It gives you a great taste of the island but almost always leaves you wanting more. So treat yourself and plan to stay at least a few days on this Coral Atoll with one of the pristine and most uncommercialised lagoons found anywhere in the world.
Your accommodation options on Aitutaki range from 5 star resorts to small beach huts. There is even the option of staying on your own deserted island.
The things to do in Aitutaki centre around its magnificent lagoon with a number of options available for lagoon cruises, fishing, kayaking, snorkelling, and scuba diving. On land you can hire bikes or scooters and go exploring around the back roads, or hike to the top of Maungapu for gorgeous panoramic views of the island.
TV fan's may recognise Aitutaki as the location for the reality show Survivor Cook Islands. Between May and August 2006, Aitutaki played host to the 13th series of Survivor - the reality TV Show created by Mark Burnett productions and CBS. While on the island you may get the opportunity to visit some of those Survivor locations.