Aitutaki

Why Aitutaki in the Cook Islands is special
Aitutaki has one of the world's most impressive tropical lagoons. This expansive yet shallow crystal-clear turquoise body of water is surrounded by coral reefs and palm-fringed, white-sand islets.

Aitutaki tips and insights
Travel audience
This Hillman wonder in Polynesia appeals to those seeking a slow, easy, laidback, unhurried, get-away-from-it-all lifestyle as opposed to a hyper-active vacation scene.

Chief enticements
What's exhilarating about Aitutaki lies beyond its main island. The chief enticements of this Polynesia island are cruising, snorkeling or fishing the lagoon - and exploring the motus (islets).

Most popular destination
It's the islet nicknamed One Foot Island. Pastimes include picnicking and beach lazing plus swimming and snorkeling.

TV reality shows
Two other islets - Rapota and Moturakau - were locations for the popular Survivor (American) and Shipwrecked (British) reality-show TV series.

Some other islets are uninhabited
They make perfect outings for honeymooners and other romantic couples seeking a Polynesia seclusion.

Accommodations
Lodging covers a broad price range, from budget huts to luxury resorts. One has over-water bungalows.

Early comers to Aitutaki
They include William Bligh of Mutiny on the Bounty fame (1789) - and Charles Darwin on his HMS Beagle voyage (1835).

Climate
The driest and least humid months are April to October. The wet and more humid period runs from November to March (and is least desirable from January to February).

Political status
The Cook Islands is an independent nation, but has close ties with its nearest big-country neighbor, New Zealand. For example, the Cook Islands draws most of its tourists from New Zealand - and has adopted that country's dollar as its official currency.

Getting there
Rarotonga is the capital island of the Cook Islands and is the nation's international air gateway. You reach Aitutaki from there on a 45-minute flight.