Beautiful Pacific offers a wide range of Aitutaki accommodation packages and holidays, percfect for that relaxing break with your loved one. We offer great deals and holiday packages from our hand picked accommodation selections.
Aitutaki lies a 45-minute flight to the north of Rarotonga, the main island of the Cook Islands. There are no direct international flights to Aitutaki but the island is connected by five daily flights from Rarotonga (flight time approx. 40mins ; limited flights on Sunday) and by a monthly ferry service which takes 18 hours. The population of Aitutaki is just over 2,000, spread out along coastal and inland villages. Aitutaki is a large and spectacular sunken lagoon almost the size of Rarotonga with one main island (Aitutaki) and about 20 small uninhabited islands (locally referred to as motu) along the edge of the fringing reef with a turquoise lagoon in the centre.
Aitutaki Lagoon
The highlight of Aitutaki is undoubtedly exploring the uninhabited motu fringing the lagoon. There are about 20 islands in all, and until recently no one lived there and there was no accommodation. These were true paradise islands. However, Akaiami Island now an upmarket lodge. Day cruises to the motu depart every morning except Sunday, which is a strict day of rest when everything closes down.
Akaiami Paradise offers a unique opportunity to stay on one of the outlying islands of Aitutaki Lagoon. Escape the crowds and stay at this delightful hand-crafted lodge located on an uninhabited motu within the lagoon, set on a gorgeous white sandy beach ideal for swimming and relaxing.
Aitutaki Lagoon Resort, Aitutaki NZ$ 515 - 935 per couple
Located on a small motu off Ootu Point., this upmarket resort features a lovely beachside restaurant, beautiful overwater bungalows and lots of coconut palms. The beachfront is exquisite and there's a turquoise lagoon protected by a sand spit that makes the ideal spot to sunbath and swim.
Most tourists visit the exquisite One Foot Island in the south where it's possible to walk out into the lagoon and along sand banks. One Foot has gorgeous beaches and great views of the other islands, but, with lots of day-trippers all trying to see and do as much as they can in a few hours, the place is rather busy. Snorkelling throughout the lagoon is excellent with loads of friendly fish and giant clams and there is good scuba diving to view the drop-offs outside the main reef. Maina or Honeymoon Island in the west tip is another popular spot and has lots of nesting sea birds and great snorkelling.
Aitutaki Island
The main island of Aitutaki is much flatter than Rarotonga and much smaller being only about four miles long and just one mile across. Aitutaki has a true south seas atmosphere. The villages are small and sleepy and not a great deal happens here. There's not even a lot of attractions to see. It's simply a place to hire a bike and absorb the tranquillity of the South Seas lifestyle. Stay here for more than a few days and you'll learn how to truly kick back. Aitutaki is ideal for those who want to experience the slow and easy Polynesian lifestyle away from the more commercial tourist centre of Rarotonga, and to enjoy some of the finest palm fringed beaches in the Cook Islands.
Arutanga Village on the west coast is the main settlement with a lovely white church, wharf, post office, bank, supermarket, restaurant and petrol station. There is no beach at Arutanga, which has a deep water harbour, but the beach begins less than a mile to the north at the village of Ureia with its colourful houses along the main road and large playing field. Outrigger canoes can usually be seen fishing in the lagoon and swimming is OK here although snorkelling not so good.
The north west coast of Aitutaki boasts a few small boutique shops and restaurants, several budget accommodations and two luxury hotels both on an attractive sandy swimming beach. The white sandy beach with palm groves extends right up the north west coast. A walking trail leads to Mt. Maungapu, the highest point at 124 metres. The track to the summit is quite easy and offers spectacular panoramic views of the island and lagoon.
Aitutaki Beach Villas, Aitutaki NZ$ 130 - 160 per couple
Island style beach villas located directly on a private white sand beach front and overlooking the Amuri lagoon with its fantastic sunsets. Self-contained villa with modern facilities and a magnificent lagoon for snorkelling, swimming, canoeing and reef exploration. Five minutes by road to the airport, restaurants, bars, shops and town.
Pacific Resort, Aitutaki NZ$ 895 - 1,395 per couple
Pacific Resort Aitutaki is a delightfully landscaped resort sitting on a rocky outcrop straddlind two beautiful white sandy beaches. With just 28 bungalows, suites and villas, this is a boutique resort bringing back the gracious days of a by-gone era through Polynesian architecture, colonial furnishings, fine food and wine and natural island hospitality.
Etu Moana Villas, Aitutaki NZ$ 425 - 515 per couple
Etu Moana is a small beachfront property situated on the west coast of Aitutaki. Each of the eight Polynesian style open-plan Villas offers lagoon views and are staggered around a small swimming pool featuring black volcanic rocks with a wooden deck furnished where you can enjoy a drink at the bar and Complementary breakfast.
Tamanu Beach Hotel, Aitutaki NZ$ 295 - 525 per couple
Tamanu Beach Hotel offers 24 bungalows set around two courtyards of landscaped gardens, each with its own swimming pool and overlooking the beach and lagoon. All bungalows are of similar iinteriordesign featuring mahogany floors and thatched roofs. The hotel fronts a white sand beach and partial swimming lagoon.
Aretai is a collection of three 2-bedroom villas with separate lounge and kitchen on family owned land beside the beach on the west coast of Aitutaki . Each villa has cane furniture, kitchen, a large covered deck overlooking the lagoon and the beachfront stretches for miles in each direction.
Ootu Point
The southern tip of the finger known as Ootu Point has a gorgeous swimming beach with a deep channel for swimming and great views of the island - it is also the departure point for most of the island day cruises. There are several small self contained bungalows on the point as well as several excellent independent restaurants. Ootu is a popular picnic spot for locals, especially at Christmas and on public holidays.
Samade on the Beach is located on a narrow strip of beach on the southern tip of the main island of Aitutaki, with a delightful view over the lagoon and offshore islands. This is a great base for exploring the lagoon by eiother kayak or on a day cruise. On site moped hire, restaurant and bar with traditional dance nights.
Inano Beach Bungalows, Aitutaki NZ$ 130 - 160 per couple
Inano Beach offers six self contained bungalows facing the sheltered lagoon on Aitutaki. All bungalows feature queen size bed, kitchen and ceiling fans. The property is located on a tidal beach (no swimming at low tide) but a chanel around the point offers all day swimming. The bungalows are a short walk to several restaurants.
The east coast is popular with local fishermen and you will see them most days fishing in their outrigger canoes from the jetty at Vaipae, the islands second largest village. There is no beach on the east coast, instead rocky outcrops and tidal mud, not practical for swimming. It's possible to ride a bike along the south coast on a rather bumpy bush track. Although the beach along the entire south coast is tidal and not particularly attractive, it's a great place to explore. The southern end of the island has no villages and is mostly low lying bush. If you follow the signs and look hard enough, you'll find some of the best ancient marae on the island in a small clearing in the bush.
Owned and Operated by Traditional Leader Queen Manarangi Tutai. Set in a private and peaceful tropical garden. Four spacious, well appointed, self-contained lodges with full cooking facilities, hot water, refrigerator, fans and television. On-site motorcycle and pick-up truck rental.
