Aitutaki, Cook Islands, may be one of the South Pacific’s best kept secrets. It can be reached in just 45 minutes via Air Rarotonga, with several flights a day from Rarotonga’s lagoonside international airport. If you’ve always imagined your romantic setting to include pure turquoise lagoons, palm-fringed beaches, a relaxed ambience, and beautiful resorts and villas, this is the place for you.
It Feels Like Your Own Private Island
This small island does not experience mass tourism; there are no crowds on the beach and depending on where you stay, it’s possible you may not see another tourist!
Watch the Sunset
Aitutaki sunsets can be enjoyed anywhere on the island, but we particularly love the view from Samade Restaurant. This beachfront restaurant overlooks a motu and has an island-style ambience. The menu includes fresh fish from the lagoon, New Zealand rack of lamb, and a variety of cocktails and wines. You can also try local food at the Island Night dinner each Tuesday, as a local dance troupe entertains.
Get Your Passport Stamped at “One Foot” Island
There’s no better way to experience Aitutaki than on a lagoon cruise. Spend the day snorkeling and swimming in the pristine waters and visit "One Foot" Island (known as Tapuaetai), a small islet in the southeast region of the lagoon, where you can get your passport stamped. It is known for having the best views of the Aitutaki lagoon and, depending on the tide, you can walk quite far out on its sandbanks.
The Accommodation
There’s some seriously beautiful resorts in Aitutaki to suit all travellers. You can stay in an overwater bungalow (the only ones in the Cook Islands) at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, or in a stunning beachfront bungalow at the Pacific Resort Aitutaki, or opt for the very intimate Tamanu Beach Aituaki, which has just 3 spacious villas with a private plunge pool and courtyard.
Aitutaki - "home of the big, blue lagoon" offers something for every honeymooner. Book one of our Cook Islands vacation packages today and put a smile on your face.
Growing up in a family travel business, Bronwyn has been travelling from a very young age. Her favourite experience was 3 months spent backpacking through India and Southeast Asia. She counts many countries among her ‘favourites,’ but is especially fond of Australia for its lifestyle, Cambodia for its culture and resilience, and Japan for its contrasts. She holds the proud distinction of being Goway’s only former Bollywood star – having once starred in a Coke commercial in Mumbai.