Aitutaki lies 140 miles north of Rarotonga and is the most popular of all of the Southern Group Islands because of its magnificent lagoon scattered with many uninhabited beautiful Islands. The lagoon is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the Pacific and was previously a favorite stopover for the flying boat service operated by Tasman Empire Airways (TEAL) now known as Air New Zealand. The 55 minute flight makes for an ideal day trip from Rarotonga Island.

Aitutaki offers island nights at both the Aitutaki Lagoon Hotel and the Crusher Bar featuring local Cook Island Dancing, drumming and songs. Don't miss the childrens show on Saturday evening at the Aitutaki Pearl Beach Resort. Cook Island children learn to dance as soon as they can walk and their show is especially entertaining. Your Aitutaki Hotel Guide features the Pacific Resort Aitutaki, the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort as well as accommodation of all levels including beach bungalows, motels, backpacker, and guesthouses.
The best snorkeling and swimming are found near the small motus (islands) which encircle the lagoon. You must travel by boat off the main Island to experience the excellent snorkeling and swimming as well as discovering isolated white sand beaches. There is now accommodation available on both Tapuaetai Island (One Foot) and Akaiami Island. Aitutaki provides a romantic spot for your wedding or honeymoon. Imagine spending the day on a deserted island with white sandy beaches surrounded by swaying palms and a crystal clear turquoise lagoon? Aitutaki is even more relaxing than Rarotonga. A perfect place to soothe away the pressures of the outside world. Make sure you get to Aitutaki, even if its only for a one day tour. Better still, try and spend a few days. Lagoon trips and air services depart everyday except Sunday.
Your Aitutaki Hotel Guide listed below features accommodation from Aitutaki Hotels, Aitutaki Resorts, Beach Bungalows, and Holiday Homes.
Manihiki, noted for black pearls and there are several pearl farms doting the lagoon. It is incredible to view these farms and realize that some islanders live year round in the middle of the lagoon with only a boat tied to a pillar for company. Imagine being able to view the intricate process of how the oyster is seeded!
Pearl FarmChoice of accommodation on the island includes staying with a local family, or a private beach bungalow. Your host can arrange a visit to a pearl farm, an excursion to the neighboring villages, or teach you how to gather "paua" (clams). (Go to Activities) It is recommended to bring a flashlight, mosquito repellent, good walking shoes, and plenty of books to read. Also please note that your luggage allowance is 10 kilo per person (approx 22 pounds). Luggage storage may be found at the Rarotonga Airport.
There are frequent island boats from Manihiki to Rakahanga, however passage must be arranged after arriving in Manihiki. It is recommended that you allow 3 weeks if you wish to include Rakahanga in your Northern Group experience.
AITUTAKI ISLAND PACKAGES
Package Details: All rates per person New Zealand Dollars. The first night includes , return transfers from your Rarotonga Hotel to the domestic airport, one night selected accommodation in Aitutaki, return Aitutaki airport transfers, The extra night includes accommodation only including government tax. Your Aitutaki
Hotel Guide features travel packages to each property based on the number of persons travelling and your room type. If there are two persons travelling requiring a twin room, you would then multiply the listed rate by 2 (for 2 persons) in order to obtain your total package price.
THRIFTY FARES (VSAVE/WSAVE/TSAVE) - CHEAPEST AVAILABLE FARES
- Non - refundable
- No name changes permitted
- No downgrades permitted
- Flight changes permitted up to flight departure. Additional payments will apply as follows:
- $25 change fee per person, per sector (Infant fares excempt) for changes made prior to 72 hours before flight departure.
- 50% penalty for changes made within 72 hours of departure
- Where a change requires the purchaseof a higher priced fare, the difference between the original fare and the upgraded fare is payable.
- Payment due 7 days after the booking or 72 hours before flight departure, whichever is earlier. Booking at risk of cancellation if payment is not made within reuired timeframe.
- 50% no show penalty
- Baggage allowance 16 KGS
- Excess charge $3.00 per kilogram - Lockers are available for hire at Rarotonga airport.
Other fares available.
AITUTAKI ACCOMMODATION
To view Aitutaki Hotels/Resorts and Self Catering Superior accommodation click here
To view Aitutaki Self Catering Moderate and Self Catering Budget accommodation click here
TOURS and CRUISES