What to do and see in Aitutaki, Southern Cook Islands: The Best Nature & Parks

November 26, 2021 Kandra Bartel

This small island encased in a triangular barrier reef boasts incredible lagoons. Relax with a intimate picnic on the alabaster beach of one of Aitutaki’s minor islands, uninhabited and lined with swaying palm trees. Despite its heartbreaking beauty, Aitutaki isn’t (yet) flooded with tourists, due to its relatively difficult-to-reach location. For off-the-beaten-sandbar vacationing, Aitutaki is a prime destination, especially for those seeking unbridled romantic ambiance.
Restaurants in Aitutaki

1. One Foot Island

Cook Islands
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,063 reviews

One Foot Island

This tiny island in Aitutaki's beautiful lagoon contains a post office and a single cabin that can be rented by visitors. Most visitors just come for the day to experience the tranquil location and to snorkel in the lagoon.

Reviewed By sandy6662016 - Auckland Central, New Zealand

Our lagoon cruise excellent tour guide described the history and legends behind One Foot Island and how it got its unique name. Quite beautiful and a magical place for sure. Got our passports officially stamped with a unique One Foot Island visa stamp. A novel addition to a pretty full passport.

2. Moturakau

Cook Islands
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 28 reviews

Moturakau

This deserted island was the location used for the British TV series Shipwrecked, where 16 people were left on an uninhabited island to fend for themselves.

Reviewed By MiBri53 - Germany, null

Situated in the lagoon of Aitutaki and just about 15 minutes by boat from One Foot Island Motu Rakau is just the right place for a stop and a little walk through the dense forest. Watch out for nesting bird. One side of the islet shows coral beach rock, the other beautiful sand beach.

3. Aitutaki Lagoon

Amuri Cook Islands +682 31 269 http://www.jomelbartolome.com
Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,070 reviews

Aitutaki Lagoon

These waters are home to a large number of fish, making it a favorite spot for snorkeling or scuba diving.

Reviewed By TavellingTony000 - Sydney, Australia

Paradise is the best word to describe this natural wonder. I was in awe of its vast space and beauty, Book in one of the lagoon cruses, it will be your highlight of any trip to the Cook Islands.

4. Bonefish - E2's Way

Muri A Vai Tautu, 682 Cook Islands +682 31 686 [email protected] http://www.e2sway.com
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 78 reviews

Bonefish - E2's Way

Take up the challenge of the monster Bonefish of Aitutaki with renowned Bonefish Guide, Itu Davey. The beautiful Aitutaki Lagoon is home to the worlds largest Bonefish. For fly fishermen seeking the challenge of a lifetime the 'ghost of the flats' presents one of the most thrilling angling opportunities available. The huge bonefish (kiokio) of Aitutaki Lagoon can be a real challenge to catch, Itu's extensive knowledge of the flats and legendary fish spotting ability help tip the odds in your favour.

Reviewed By colinbC2261TU

I had never caught a bonefish, and very few sea fish for that matter, before venturing out for a day on the lagoon with Itu's younger brother Tia whilst my wife stayed on the beach to catch up with her reading. 7 hours later I returned, having hooked 8 beautiful turbocharged bonefish and landed 5, together with 7 smaller fish of different species. Prior to taking on the Bonefish I enjoyed a couple of hours trying to hook a GT without success but with some heart-stopping moments as fish in the 50kg category followed and slashed at my stick bait lure. I may have had the odd fish taking a boat out on my own but, and whilst I can take a small amount of the credit for playing the fish out, the truth is that my success was largely down to the way I was guided onto the fish and properly geared up by Tia. An unmissable experience for any angler, of whatever experience, visiting Aitutaki!

5. O'otu Beach

Cook Islands
Excellent
77%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 94 reviews

O'otu Beach

Reviewed By dollysdaughter2014 - Lake Cathie, Australia

Just so many beautiful spots to swim or snorkle, spoilt for choice, safe for beginners like me with snorkelling.

6. Mount Maungapu

Cook Islands http://www.panamintcity.com/photographs/cookislands/maungapuphotos.html
Excellent
61%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 80 reviews

Mount Maungapu

Reviewed By flosventure - Arizona, United States

I went up Mount Maungapu. It's a nice walk up there and you're up there pretty quickly since it's only like 130m in elevation. The walk up there feels a bit like walking through a jungle, lots of green. I did it on cloudy day so you could tell the humidity just hanging in the jungle. Up there, you have a really nice view and you can literally see entire Aitutaki, the airport, the lagoon, everything. It's a nice thing to do!

7. Aitutaki Secret Garden

5 Main Rd S Cook Islands +682 57 517 http://www.aitutakigarden.com
Excellent
36%
Good
55%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
9%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 11 reviews

Aitutaki Secret Garden

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