The Cook Islands
The Outer Islands

Aitutaki -The Blue Lagoon
The island that takes your breath away!

Visit to the Cook Islands is not complete without seeing the beautiful island of Aitutaki, 220 kms north of Rarotonga and less than an hours flight away. Aitutaki is the second most visited of the magical Cook Islands and is recommended as a "must see" extension to your Rarotonga holiday. Several recommended accommodation facilities exist on the main island. Day trips can be arranged.
Partly volcanic and (in parts) of atoll origin, its highest hill, Maungapu (124 metres) is said to be the top of Rarotonga's Raemaru Peak brought back by victorious Aitutaki warriors. Its large and spectacular lagoon (45kms around) teems with coloured fish of many varieties and many small and charming uninhabited islands (motu's) are sprinkled along the fringes of the outer lagoon. This is a place of great natural beauty and tranquillity, where crystal clear waters and swaying palms provide a simple tonic to sooth away the pressures of the outside world.

Day trips are available with Air Rarotonga. These can include an island tour and lagoon cruise to visit Tapuaetai (One Foot Island). Lunch will be prepared while you relax and work on your tan, explore the coral, go snorkelling or hand feed the fish - an experience you will never forget. ,

AITUTAKI ACTIVITIES
Be sure to take a lagoon cruise which generally includes a picnic lunch and drinks on an uninhabited island, swimming, snorkelling, hand-feeding the fish and informative dialogue of the history and geology of Aitutaki. Scuba divers and game fishing enthusiasts are well catered for both in the lagoon and outside the reef.
For those who wish to explore the main island, rental cars and motorcycles are available at reasonable rates. Catamarans are available for hire and there is a challenging nine hole golf course.

ACCOMMODATION ON AITUTAKI

AITUTAKI LAGOON RESORT
A special hideaway...on your own secluded islet, located on the edge of the magnificent Aitutaki lagoon. A setting of spectacular vistas, clear-blue water, luxuriant natural vegetation and white sandy beaches. A "dream" Polynesian hideaway just waiting for you.
Island style...beachfront, lagoon and garden bungalows are set amongst swaying palm trees and lush gardens and attractively appointed with your comfort in mind. Spacious studio-style layout, airconditioning, queen-size beds, coffee/tea making facility, private sun decks and little extras that add the finishing touch, such as hairdryers and nightly turn-down service.
A special welcome...As our honoured guest, your vacation starts on arrival with a traditional welcome or "turou", a customary flower on your ear and a complimentary drink.
Fine dining and entertainment...Start each day with a complimentary continental breakfast. The lagoonside restaurant offers light snacks and fine a la carte dining prepared by internationally experienced chefs. Enjoy our Island Night buffets and Polynesian cultural shows. The Beach Bar with panoramic views of the lagoon is the perfect venue for a light snack or cocktail, where the ambience is elegantly casual and relaxed.

Lots to do...with complimentary snorkelling, canoeing and hobie-cat sailing. Work on your tan or if you prefer an island tour, a lagoon cruise, scuba, gamefishing, kyaks, canoes, winsurfers, golf or whatever, all can be arranged for you. Delight in doing it all ... or in doing nothing at all,
A special place...with its spacious hospitality and service the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort offers an ambience that is intimate, casual and convivially relaxed, within which to unwind and let the rest of the world slip away.

Resort offers 31 air-conditioned bungalows - 5 deluxe beachfront, 9 lagoon bungalows and 17 garden bungalows located on a small island.

MAINA SUNSET MOTEL
The Maina Sunset Motel is located towards the Southern end of the Island and as its name suggests faces the setting sun.
Nestled amongst the trees on the beach is this small friendly property, with eight studio units and four 1 bedroom units. Each unit has a private bathroom, lounge and dining area, private patio, ceiling fans and tea & coffee facilities. There are also four 1-bedroom units with full kitchen facilities.
Other services include convenience store, swimming pool, motor scooter hire, restaurant and bar, lagoon cruise boat, fishing boat charter and snorkelling equipment.
On the lagoons edge, the Maina Sunset is ideal for those seeking a private and relaxing getaway holiday.

RINO'S BEACH APARTMENTS
Rino's Beach apartments offer a personal flavour to your holiday. This two storey complex offers superb sea views and it's just a walk across your private lawn to the beach. With just four apartment type units, (2 upstairs, 2 down) this small and compact property offers privacy and seclusion. Each apartment has full kitchen facilities, complimentary tea & coffee, separate bathroom and private balcony. For your convenience, Rino's has an on-site laundry.
Cars, motorcycles and bicycles are available for hire on site. Located on the beach and only a few minutes from Aitutaki's small town.

PARADISE COVE
Budget accommodation just out of town, with communal kitchen and adjacent to a beautiful beach. Rooms are either in the main house (guest rooms) or in small beach huts (called Are Kikau) made of local materials and with thatched roof. Rooms are single or double and Are Kikau have two single beds and a small refrigerator. Showers and toilet block are shared by all guests as are the kitchen facilities.Your hosts will ensure you experience the hospitality well known to the island.

TOM'S BEACH COTTAGE
Right on the beach near the main town. Budget guest house accommodation with communal kitchen. Also separate self contained unit with full kitchen, shower and veranda. Alcoholic beverages not allowed due to the owners strict religious beliefs.

SUNNY BEACH LODGE
Four new units just along the beach from the Rapae Hotel and near Ralphie's Bar and Grill. Units have either one double and one single or 3 single beds and are fully self contained.

Atiu (Enua Manu) is a fascinating island riddled with caves and surrounded with Makatea (raised coral) cliffs and white sand beaches. In the centre is a flat volcanic plateau where the five villages are situated within easy access of each other. Anatakitaki cave is the nesting place for the Kopeka birds (Swifts) seen only at dusk.
The other bird to look for is the Moo (pronounced Maw-aw) a family member of the New Zealand Notornis (Pukeko). Visits to the caves require guides, who may also suggest a visit to the Tumunu where bush beer is served and tall tales are told.
A visit to the local coffee plantation is well worth while. Tours include a tasting session.
Atiu's activities do not stop on a Sunday and the island is worth a 3 day plus stay.

ATIU MOTEL

Choose from studio, one bedroom and two bedroom units. All have tea/coffee and cooking facilities, refrigerator and shower. Some have air-conditioning and fans. Snorkelling equipment, tennis court and rental vehicles.

Mangaia (Auau Enua) is the southernmost island of the Cooks group and is surrounded by coral cliffs with an interior of several swamps and a small lake. It is 110 miles south of Rarotonga and said to be the oldest island in the Pacific. Limestone and volcanic samples date back eighteen million years. Te Rua Rere (flying cave) is large and extended, housing smaller or chapel size rooms. Dramatic stalactite formations create a fantasy land, some pure white and lacy which when struck by the hand make an organ like sound.
The 'ei pupu' (shell leis) made up from small shells found under rocks or leaves, especially after rain, are gathered in large quantities in Mangaia. These beautiful yellow or white shell 'ei's' are highly sought after.

Babe's Place...
Budget accommodation in six studio rooms, some inter-connecting. Four units have private ensuite, fan and TV overlooking the tropical courtyard. The other two guesthouse rooms have share facilities. Bar and convenience store. Full meal package is provided at the owners house right next door and a range of excellent tours are offered.

Ara Moana Hotel Bungalows...  
The Ara Moana Hotel Bungalows are located on the eastern coast of Mangaia just a five-minute walk south of the beautiful village of Ivirua. The new accommodation was opened in April 1997 with four sleeping-only units, two self-contained units still under construction and a restaurant and bar.
Ara Moana offers a wide variety of activities in a truly Polynesian atmosphere. If you like active adventure you can go rock climbing, abseiling, trekking through virgin bush, diving in deep freshwater caves, diving or snorkelling outside Mangaia's spectacular reef, trail bike riding through the now forested hilly interior of the island or bareback horse riding.
If your tastes are more moderately adventurous you may take numerous hiking trips and, with a local guide, visit the truly amazing caves that honeycomb the fossilised coral of the 'makatea' that rings the entire island. Or you can go fishing in a local vaka -- outrigger canoe -- or rent a motor bike for a trip around the island.
If you prefer calmer pursuits you can go to a tea party with the local chief or join the village ladies at their handcrafts. Best of all, you can relax on the secluded beaches near by.
Crowds are not found at Ara Moana's beaches An Air Rarotonga Bandeirante at the airstrip
Twice a week, normally Wednesdays and Fridays, Ara Moana holds an Island Night with a traditionally-cooked Polynesian dinner and a show by the Ara Moana Hotel Cultural Dance group comprising local young people.

Mitiaro (Nukuroa) is the small, flat island famous for 'Itiki' (eels), the island delicacy,, which abound in its swampy lakes, Rotonui and Rotoiti. Take an excursion to the lakes and on the way back visit the subterranean caverns for a relaxing swim. The Cook Islands Christian Church Betula is at the centre of the community where you can experience the singing and enjoy a friendly conversation with the villagers on Sunday mornings. Night life consists of occasional local dances and video shows at the village hall. At low tide take an interesting walk along the reef 10 get a glimpse of the colourful marine life.

MITIARO GUEST HOUSE...
Budget accommodation in three rooms with shared facilities. Set in lush gardens.  

The "Land of Uke". Mauke (Akatokamanava) has beautiful white beaches with the reef close to beautiful white beaches with the reef close to the island, so the lagoon is shallow. Subterranean caves are found in the interior with easy access from the road encircling the island. Oliveta Church at Kimiangatau Village basts a history of squabbles between villages during construction hence two distinct interior designs. The pulpit railing is inlaid with Chilean dollars, the currency at the time. Rangi Manuka Marae is that of Uke Ariki, the high chief reputed to have wives and daughters who lured many a warrior from afar with their beauty.

TIARE HOLIDAY COTTAGE...
One 1 bedroom unit with private shower and five studio units ( some inter-connecting) with shared bathroom and cooking facilities. Tea/coffee and cooking facilities and communal showers. Meals available in a separate dining hut. Tours are available.

MAUKE COVE LODGE ...  
This guesthouse is an old limestone cottage with three bedrooms and shared facilities. Rooms have tea/coffee facilities and a small refrigerator. The managers live nearby and will arrange ant tours that may be required.

TARAKORE GUEST HOUSE...Penrhyn

SOA'S GUESTHOUSE ...Penrhyn
Three budget studio rooms. Packages include three meals per day plan. Ideal setting and great for fishing and swimming.

MANIHIKI GUESTHOUSE ...Manihiki
Located at Tukao Bay which is 2 minutes walk from the airport and 3 minutes to the main village, this guesthouse offers accommodation with breakfast and dinner. Tours available.

PUKAPUKA
Accommodation can be arranged with local families on request, as flights permit. Flights are on demand basis - it is therefore not an easy place to get to, or depart from.