Sustainable tourism in Aitutaki: How to travel responsibly in Cook Islands

Back in the day, the Coral Route was the first-ever romantic Kiwi tourist package that saw holidaymakers fly from Auckland, New Zealand to Tahiti in French Polynesia. This was an ultra-glamorous South Pacific country-hop, with stops at Suva, Fiji and Aitutaki, Cook Islands. Now, while the service is no longer around and the organiser Tasman Empire Airways Ltd transformed itself into the most-modern Air New Zealand, Aitutaki is almost as beautiful as those days! Responsible travel in the Cook Islands is gaining traction internationally, and it’s something we all can get behind.

Aitutaki in the Cook Islands is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, if not the most beautiful. People come here for two things – digital detox and the brain-meltingly beautiful lagoon. And while there’s plenty to do on Aitutaki’s shores, we draw your attention towards travelling responsibly and becoming a part of sustainable tourism in the Cook Islands today. Yes, it’s a different, but an equally important tack.

5. Start with understanding Aitutaki’s fragile ecosystem and responsible travel in Cook islands

Aitutaki is ringed with powdery-white sands, crystalline turquoise waters and hard corals. Rising ocean temperatures have induced stress in these coral colonies, leading to coral bleaching; the outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish has added to the coral ecosystem’s disbalance. While conservation efforts are ongoing, it takes time to re-establish the status quo. Besides, these warm waters routinely face threats from invasive marine species that can adversely affect the paradise that is Aitutaki. 

4. Supporting the local communities during your stay

The good news is local communities are actively engaged in preserving Aitutaki’s natural bounty. The community has launched the ‘Keep Aitutaki Clean’ programme wherein they have replaced traditional toilets with waterless composting toilets in key tourist areas. Besides, the Aitutaki Lagoon Monitoring Project works 24/7 to monitor the lagoon’s health and intervene in case of emergencies. As tourists on limited duration stays, it’s difficult to actively contribute to these efforts. But… we can help out by shopping, eating and purchasing local. Every dollar spent helps the islanders’ cause to help responsible travel in Cook Islands. 

3. Saying no to plastic altogether

It is no secret that our oceans are polluted with plastic. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is well known for being a floating plastic landfill – one that’s thrice the size of France. Similarly, there’s the South Pacific Garbage Patch between Easter Island and New Zealand and debris from the patch has washed up on Fijian and Cook Islands shores. 

Therefore, we can make sure we don’t add to the problem by saying no to plastics – single use or otherwise – on our flippin’ awesome Aitutaki holidays. Say yes to reusable bottles, switch plastic straws with bamboo or steel ones and segregate your waste so that it’s easier to dispose by the hotel/resort staff. And if you really, really want to pitch in actively – lend a hand with the occasional beach cleanup. 

2. Responsibly enjoying the marine activities

Being responsible and staying so on your Aitutaki holiday is easier than you might believe. Marine experts have laid down well-researched guidelines that are geared to ensure you get the maximum enjoyment out of your marine activities all the while ensuring the underwater natural assets face negligible stress. Follow the guidelines when it comes to visiting the coral colonies, interacting with the fishes and be mindful when interacting with the ecosystem – remember, it’s fragile after all. 

Plus, you can also choose eco-friendly tour activities and operators for lagoon cruises and fishing trips.

1. Choosing eco-friendly transportation where possible. 

When on the island, we as visitors can make a conscious effort to opt for eco-friendly transportation wherever feasible. This includes choosing e-bikes and scooters, the best being bicycles and walking where possible. It’s literally as simple as that. Just have fun and explore the beautiful Aitutaki and Cook Islands the way locals do – walk and cycle.

Responsible Travel in Cook Islands: A Fun, Sustainable Holiday in the Making

While we have penned this blog from the point of view of keeping Aitutaki as beautiful as it was during the Coral Route, the sentiment carries over to all of South Pacific (and every tourist place, city and village there is). Have you been to Aitutaki and want to share your inputs – perhaps we missed something here? If you are planning to visit soon, speak with our South Pacific Specialists for some truly all-inclusive Aitutaki holiday packages. Not only can they help you save with the right Cook Islands holiday package, but you can also put together the perfect itinerary – get in touch at 1300 991 751!