| | Jun 30, 2006 - Aitutaki, Cook Islands - It's all about the Lagoon | (click to enlarge)
 |  | (click to enlarge)
 | | (click to enlarge)
 | | show all 34 | | Air Rarotonga Flight - Rarotongo to Aitutaki | | Stormy day in Aitutaki | | Carl out for a kayak in the lagoon | | |
| | Aitutaki, Cook Island - It's All About the Lagoon
As Bora Bora is to French Polynesia, Aitutaki is to the Cook Islands - a laid back island, ringed by a stunning coral lagoon with perfect clear, blue, warm water and dotted with idyllic little sand and coral islands. It is an island paradise by anyone's standards especially out in the lagoon surrounding the main island. Of course, you can come to Aitutaki to see some of these perfect islands, but come September in prime TV broadcasting spots, you will see what many call the most beautiful part of Aitutaki - One Foot Island. One Foot Island, a gorgeous sand island sitting in the perfect lagoon waters is home to the next season of Survivor and unfortunately was strictly off limits to tourists like us during our stay. In fact, with about 400 crew on Aitutaki, we had challenges securing our accommodation and ended up cutting our stay down from six nights to five nights and having to change resorts after our first two nights.
Although the filming of the show restricted some of sight seeing, it was interesting to learn more about how the top rated show is created. Who would have thought they had a crew of 400 and arrived in location two months before the contestants and filming started to set up the props and games? The island was filled with everyone from film crew, caterers and accountants. They had their own bus system around the island, intense security and there was not a resort or guesthouse on Aitutaki that was not housing some of the crew. The crew were a mix of all ages and of very international backgrounds but they all had one thing in common though - secrecy! It didn't matter who you met, they could not tell you anything about the show.
What we did learn though, is the contestants, who arrived while we were there, had some miserable weather for their first few days on the island, unfortunately, as we experienced first hand as well. Not that it rained down constantly while we were there, but occasional drizzle, the odd downpour, heavy clouds with only a few sunny periods really was not the weather we had anticipated for this dream island and surely the contestants didn't expect on their first two days on a paradise South Pacific Island either.. Nevertheless, unlike the Survivor contestants we had freedom. Choosing to make the best of the grey weather, we rented bikes for a few days and cycled most of this quiet, relaxed island with its friendly locals. Our first two nights at the Aretai Villas provided us with kayaks for setting out on the lagoon to paddle the calm, coral filled waters. Here we also basked in a huge beach home, situated right on the west coast of the island on a sandy beach overlooking the lagoon. It was by far large enough for a family of four or five as the two of us enjoyed tons of space with a beach, palm tree and lagoon view from our living room window. Overcast weather seems even that much nicer when you can lounge on a couch in your living room with the such incredible views.
The most important part of any visit to Aitutaki is a day trip (or more) out on the lagoon. The lagoon is the most beautiful part of the island and the reason to come to Aitutaki. Our challenge was choosing a day with nice weather. We were hoping for a sunny, blue-sky day for our lagoon tour so we could see the lagoon in all its glory. Unfortunately, there wasn't a day that looked that promising, but with the help of the friendly staff at the Paradise Cove, we set out and lucked out, with a day that at least gave us some sunshine and the tour did not disappoint. Although the motus (islands in the lagoon) that we could visit were limited, our day touring the lagoon was still incredible. Along with about 15 others, we set sail on a huge catamaran complete with talented crew that entertained us with island songs played on the ukele and guitar, fed us a fantastic tropical lunch of fish, fruits, salads and taro and brought us to the a great snorkelling location and the two beautiful motus of Honeymoon Island and Maina Island.
The clarity of the water was like looking through clean, clear, glass and its colours were an array of pleasing blues arranged as if they were a piece of modern art. The snorkelling was a great adventure viewing more of the colourful fish and coral we have seen elsewhere. Additionally though, we saw giant clams and one of the ship's crew took me out to an underwater pearl farm where the oysters hung on strings producing those expensive and sought after black pearls of the South Pacific. The temptation to pop one open and see what was inside was almost too much, but I resisted and instead just snapped a few pictures on our underwater disposable camera.
Even though the weather did anything but cooperate with us on Aitutaki, the visit was still worth the trip. The Aitutaki lagoon is something that should not be missed by any visitor that has made their way to the Cook Islands. It is truly spectacular and one day we hope to return under sunnier skies to see the rest of the lagoon that was unfortunately off limits this time for filming of the ever popular Survivor Series.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR AITUTAKI
1. Any visitor to the Cook Islands should make the trip to Aitutaki to spend a day doing a lagoon tour. The lagoon is THE best reason to come to Aitutaki. So, if you can not come to Aitutaki to stay for a few nights or longer, at the very least book the expensive day trip from Rarotonga to get out and see the lagoon. It is worth it and will never be forgotten.
2. The west coast of Aitutaki has most accommodation and is lined with a nice sandy beach on the lagoon. Swimming here is somewhat limited by the amount of coral that is in the water and level of the tide. Reef shoes are recommended when swimming here. Alternatively, the north east coast by the airport on O'out Beach has a bit of accommodation and much better swimming beaches.
3. The mosquitoes are bad on Aitutaki - make sure you pack your sunscreen for the daytime and insect repellent for evenings.
4. Similar to Rarotonga, many of the resorts do Island Nights with traditional dinners, music and local dancers. This is a great way to have dinner out and enjoy a bit of cultural entertainment with the local music and dancers.
5. Aitutaki is a small island and there is not really any public transportation or taxis readily available. You may want to consider renting a car, scooter or bicycle to get around the island. If you are renting a car you need to pay $10 NZ to get a Cook Island's Driver's Licence which is issued just by showing your licence from home. Remember, in the Cook Islands, they drive on the left hand side of the road.
6. For views of the island, climb to the top of Maungapu (124 metres). It is a relatively easy climb taking about a half hour. Of course, the clearer and sunnier the day, the better to get the best views of the lagoon and reef.
7. If you don't have a vehicle of some kind rented and would like to go out for dinner just ring the restaurant for reservations and they can arrange transportation to come and pick you up and drop you off after the meal for a nominal fee.
8. The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort is a large resort that is located on its own island just a few metres off the main island and is probably the most scenic, resort with some of the best swimming areas on the island. Other good high-end resorts include the Pacific Resort and the boutique hotel - Etu Moana. The Aretai Villas offer great beach cottages large enough for families although you do not have the services of a hotel or resort. There is also many other bungalow and more budget oriented accommodations available on the island as well.
9. Although there are two bank machines on the island, apparently they often run out of cash leaving some travellers stranded. Make sure you bring enough cash, travellers cheques and/or credit cards to pay for your stay and needs while on the island. Remember not everywhere accepts credit cards or they may do so but add a service charge of up to 5% on to your bill.
10. Aitutaki is a quiet, peaceful island paradise. With the exception of water activities, don't come to this island looking for a lot to do except relaxing and unwinding while you soak up the perfect surroundings that are all about you.
www.carlhenderson.ca
www.imagestoframe.com
|
| |
| |
