There's a Polynesian legend behind the name of One Foot Island, but we won't tell you now...Home of the smallest post office in the world, One Foot Island has the most beautiful stretches of sand of all Aitutaki inhabited islets. It's the perfect spot for weddings and unforgettable photo shoots. Get your passport stamped and walk on white sand banks rising from the turquoise lagoon!
World-class kite surfing in the best location on the planet, clam farm reserve and great snorkeling make Honeymoon Island a wonderful spot to spend the day in the lagoon. This small islet is also the breeding ground for the Red Tail Tropic Bird. Boat transport is required and many operators on the main island offer water taxi services, day trips and sunset cruises to the nearby Maina island.
The best way to discover the gorgeous Aitutaki lagoon is to join one of the many lagoon cruises for spectacular full-day excursions! You will stop at different motu - islets of the lagoon including motu Akaiami, home of the very first airport of the Cook Islands, terminus for the TEAL flying boat service of the Coral Route in the 1950'. Fresh fish barbecue lunch is also part of your lagoon experience along with snorkeling stops on the way to One Foot Island!
Aitutaki has an amazing scenic reef diving and easy lagoon snorkeling. Outside the reef you may find many of the larger fish like parrot-fish and Napoleon Wrasse, but also eagle rays, turtles and white tipped reef sharks! Visibility is usually excellent and you won't go wrong if you get in touch with the local operator Bubbles Below.
Two short hikes form the coastal road of the island will take you to the highest points of Aitutaki. Maungapu, which means the "top of the mountain" in Cook Islands Maori, is about 122 meters high and easy reachable from the main road on the west coast. Piraki Lookout is located in the district of Amuri and is also reachable by car or motorbike. Both points offer spectacular view of the lagoon!
The stunning Aitutaki lagoon is home to some of the world’s largest Bonefish. For fly and spin anglers seeking the challenge of a lifetime the ‘ghost of the flats’ presents one of the most thrilling fly fishing and spin fishing opportunities out there!
Depending on your mood or on which direction the wind blows, you can choose to paddle, stand-up paddle, kite surf, or simply chill in the lagoon. Aitutaki is home of worldclass kite surfing, holding the annual event Manureva Aquafest not only for kiters but also for supporters and families wanting to have some good fun while on holiday!
July to October is the migratory season for the majestic humpback whales and on Aitutaki you can see them swimming, jumping and playing just beyond the reef. Get in touch with local operators to get the best out of your Aitutaki experience!
When evening comes, enjoy one the Island Nights organized at the resorts for amazing local food and great performances of traditional Cook Islands dancing!
After its first edition in May 2018, Aitutaki Marathon has become an iconic event that will see runners and supporters from all over the world! For more info please visit www.aitutakimarathon.com