Things to Do in Aitutaki

Have you ever visited a place that left you without words? We’ve all likely heard the saying that something leaves us breathless, but for a writer sometimes we are left wordless too. In the words of one of my very favourite authors, sometimes “we do not take a trip, a trip takes us,” and Steinbeck’s words could not be truer for me and my trip to visit the Cook Islands. The Cook Islands is spectacular in a way that it changes you forever. Nowhere is that more true than on Aitutaki Island. This guide shares the best things to do in Aitutaki during your stay in this virtually untouched paradise.

Pat Bailey

Pat practices yoga on the beach at sunset on Aitutaki. Skye Gilkeson| © Ashley Drody

Unlike Rarotonga, Aitutaki is a smaller more remote island, but it has the same hospitable feeling which you feel from the moment you touch down on the intimate plane with a pilot who greeted us each way.

Everyone feels like family here, and it is an easy place to drop into quickly.

This island offers a silent beauty that touched me deeply, especially in the soft pastel sunrises and the violet water sunsets.

Perfectly pastel pink Aitutaki sunset in the Cook Islands. | © Ashley Drody

Getting to Aitutaki

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While many visit Rarotonga for their first time in the Cook Islands, you will find daily, easy and fast flights to the other islands from the main airport. Getting to Aitutaki is simple, by taking a short flight on Air Rarotonga from Rarotonga.

It is a quick, commute for some of the island people too and the ease of the short trip makes spending time on Aitutaki possible. I can tell you after spending most of the week on this second island that it should definitely be on your list.

WiFi and cell service are limited on the island of Aitutaki, more reason to just relax. You will find a solid connection at these two properties and at a few restaurants in town.

The Cook Islands is home to the most beautiful teal-coloured, crystal clear waters | © Ashley Drody

I rented a car for my stay on Aitutaki Island and I suggest you do the same for Rarotonga. It’s nice to have the autonomy to explore on your own which is exactly what I did on Aitutaki.

It is impossible to get lost on this (size) island. I made my way around the entire island stopping at beaches and lagoons when the spirit moved me, I drove to the highest point where the water tower can be found and it offered a beautiful vantage point for a picnic and a good look at the island and beyond.

You won’t see a single dog on this island, they are forbidden, but you will encounter many cats and occasional goats, and other farm animals.

Ran into locals on Aitutaki as I was exploring and they were so friendly that they stopped to say hello. | © Ashley Drody

The Vaka Cruise

One of the most spectacular activities I’ve ever experienced happened while I was staying on Aitutaki.

I took the Vaka Cruise which takes guests across one of the world’s most beautiful lagoons, and into the most beautiful teal-coloured, crystal clear waters that I’ve ever seen and have trouble describing in exact detail.

This cruise was the perfect way to explore some of the motus, or tiny islets, in the lagoon.

We stopped for snorkelling, swimming, and exploring along the way, all guided by our local cruise crew who shared culture, folklore, and even local songs with us as we cruised.

Boat docked during our day cruise in the Cook Islands. | © Ashley Drody

The island Survivor is filmed in the Cook Islands. | © Ashley Drody

We visited the island Survivor is filmed on, and where the movie Shipwrecked was filmed, and even stopped on One Foot Island where you can actually get your passport stamped and mail a postcard back home from their tiny post office.

The crew prepared a delicious lunch for us which included freshly caught fish that was grilled on the boat and served with local, fresh and organic fruits and vegetables. It was a full day well-spent and an adventure I will never forget.

Be sure to bring your camera, and your passport if you want to get the rare stamp.

See Aitutaki from Every Vantage Point

There are plenty of water sport activities to do while visiting Aitutaki, the reef and lagoons provide some of the best diving in the world.

Epic fishing adventures can be had and you can even view the island from the air if you’d rather fly than swim. There is a bit of hiking available and renting a bike to explore is also ideal.

I spent my days in gentle exploration, on the beach and enjoying yoga, paddle boarding, and the quiet but profound beauty of this nearly untouched, off-the-beaten-path paradise.