Aitutaki, Cook Islands

The crystal clear Aitutaki Lagoon is the main highlight of visiting Aitutaki Island, the second most visited destination in the Cook Islands and a favorite with honeymooners.  Aitutaki is approximately 136 miles north of Rarotonga and less than an hour's flight away. It rains less here then Rarotonga and the climate is warmer.  One of the largest atolls in the Cook Islands, Aitutaki measures approximately 18 kms wide by 19 kms long. The atoll is made up of rolling hills, flat coastal plains and a large clear turquoise lagoon enclosed with a surf-topped coral reef and tiny sandy cay islets (motus).

Aitutaki Island is partly volcanic and partly of atoll origin. Its highest hill, Maungapu is said to be the top of Rarotonga's Raemaru Peak, brought back by victorious warriors. The spectacular lagoon (27 miles around) is abundant with colored fish of many varieties, its perimeter sprinkled with many small and charming uninhabited islands (motus).  In years gone by, Aitutaki lagoon was the a re-fuelling stop for TEAL (now Air New Zealand) flying boats traveling the renowned 'Coral Route' through the South Pacific.