Cook Eilanden | Aitutaki | luchtfoto
A holiday to the Cook Islands is not complete without a visit to the Aitutaki Atoll, which is a 40-minute plane ride from Rarotonga. Aitutaki is an enormous, bright blue lagoon surrounded by coral reefs and many small, white islands that are shaded by palm trees. Far from the madding crowd, Aitu bears the pure simplicity of the Cook Islands.
Fewer than 2000 people live on Aitutaki, in what is actually one large village where people always greet each other warm-heartedly. The friendly atmosphere on Aitutaki will help to ensure that all your daily worries pale into utter insignificance. You won't find better dancers than these anywhere else on the Cook Islands and the dance shows are wild and invigorating. The breathtaking view from Maungapu, the highest peak, looks out across the turquoise lagoon and a boat journey to one of the motus (islands) will really make you feel as though you're discovering the unexplored shores of an uninhabited island. It's a real adventure to explore an island like this in the role of a modern-day Robinson Crusoe.
The idyllic island of Tapuaetai lies to the north of Aitutaki. Also referred to as ‘One Foot Island' because of its shape, Tapuaetai is the smallest island in the world to have its own post office; for a small fee, you can have your passport stamped here. This Robinson Crusoe island lends itself superbly to walks; but it's also an ideal place to relax with a good book, snorkel or swim.
For those who have enough time and who aren't opposed to less luxury, Atiu is highly recommendable. There are only a few white beaches where you can swim, but it is surrounded by a wide coral reef, and inland dense rainforests are interspersed with villages and fields.
In the Anatakitaki Cave, the guide will lead you between stalactites and stalagmites. Here you will see a whole variety of indigenous wonders, including the rare kopeka bird. Thanks to sonar, these birds can fly deep into the dark, sandstone caves in the makatea (fossilised coral). A typical aspect of Atiu is the tumunu, which is a beer party held in a brewery during which men sit in a circle and take it in turns to empty a tumunu barrel. The beer tastes more like wine than beer and is extremely strong. When you've had sufficient, you are expected to give a little money to the brewer. Life can be so simple sometimes...
