Aitutaki New Zealand
From Travel Information and Popular Attractions: TravelName.com
Aituraki Island is the second largest of the Cook Islands with a population of around 2,500. This group of 15 Islands was named after Captain Cook who landed here in 1770's. It is a coral atoll with low rolling hills, banana plantations and coconut groves. Although it is the second most visited of the Cook Islands and tourism is its main source of income, Aitutaki Island is still unspoiled. The palm fringed white sandy beaches, magnificent blue sea along with wonderfully relaxed pace of life make this place a dream come true. This beautiful Island was used for the British TV series Shipwreck where 16 people were left on this uninhabited Island. Many couples get married on Aitutaki, one the world’s most romantic honeymoon destinations.
There is a lot that one can do on this beautiful Island of Aitutaki. Along with the small uninhabited islets to the south and east, Aitutaki Island is surrounded by a barrier reef, thus creating the spectacular turquoise lagoon. The waters here are home to a large number of fish, making it an ideal place for snorkeling or scuba diving. You could also take a boat across its shimmering surface in to the clear turquoise water. On the Island you will get a chance to enjoy the traditional Aitutaki dance, where girls wearing colorful grass skirts, coconut tops and flowers in their hair dance to the beats of the Aitutaki Island drummers. There are a number of activities here along with plenty of accommodation options from economical to luxury hotels making it an ideal travel and tourism destination of New Zealand.
How to get there
Fly from Auckland via Rarotonga. There is less than a four hour flight from Rarotonga.
Places to see
The old church in Arutanga, the gigantic Banyan trees. Also some of the not to be missed things are - Alagoon cruise to the islets of Akaiami and Tapuatae (one foot island), flyfishing for the fighting bonefish, ika mata - matinated raw fish with coconut sauce or Aitutaki's dancers that are famous throughout the Cook Islands.
