Aitutaki Island Honeymoon Guide
Often compared to the Tahitian island of Bora Bora, Aitutaki is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the South Pacific and one of the most exquisite lagoons in the Cook Islands (if not the world), teeming with rainbow-hued reef fish and surrounded by a necklace of tiny motus (islets) – the perfect spot for a romantic honeymoon.
Blessed with sugar-white beaches, tropical rainforest and authentic Polynesian lifestyle, Aitutaki offers all the ingredients you need for a magical honeymoon experience.
What to do and see
Discover several palm-fringed sugar-white beaches that merge into lush rainforest that blankets the slopes of Mount Maugnapu.
Explore the more than 21 tiny uninhabited motus by boat, wander hand-in-hand through ankle deep water at low tide from the powder-white sands of one tiny motu to another, snorkel crystalline water, hand-feed colourful tropical fish and enjoy a magical sunset cruise with your sweetheart.
Hike trails though the tropical rainforest or hire a bike to explore the island’s sleepy villages and authentic Polynesian South Pacific lifestyle on your very own honeymoon adventure.
Best beaches on Aitutaki Island
Aitutaki is home to some of the best beaches in the South Pacific. The finest beaches ring the coastline, while others fringe numerous tiny atolls (motus) that dot the turquoise lagoon – just perfect for couples celebrating a romantic honeymoon.
The northwest coast of Aitutaki Island boasts a string of gorgeous, palm-fringed white-sand beaches, including…
One Foot Island
(Tapuaeta’i Motu) – Pick your own spot to sunbathe on the fine sugar-white sand of Tapuaeta’i Motu, more commonly known as One Foot Island.
Wander barefoot along sand bars at low tide, enjoy a perfect picnic and go snorkelling, scuba diving or fishing in the turquoise waters that gently lap the beach of this idyllic island.
Easy to reach by boat on a day trip, One Foot Island is located in the south of Aitutaki Lagoon, one of the best beaches in the South Pacific.
Samade Beach
Dig your toes into the gorgeous, soft sugar-white sands of Samade Beach overlooking Aitutaki Lagoon on secluded Ootu Point on the northeast cape of Aitutaki Island.
Come on a day trip or stay overnight and longer at the 4-star Samade on the Beach Resort, and be pampered with style.
Akitua Motu
Sitting just 50m away from Ootu Point, lies the tiny, private atoll of Akitua Motu, home to a gorgeous white-sand beach and the luxury Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa.
Relax in the attractive overwater bungalows, sunbathe on the exquisite beach, swim in the turquoise waters of Aitutaki Lagoon or explore nearby tiny motus in a kayak.
Akaiami Motu
Unwind on the gorgeous white-sand beach that surrounds Akaiami Motu, home to the stunning palm-fringed Kaiami Beach and the luxury Akaiami Beach Lodge.
Where to stay
Aitutaki offers an exciting choice of resorts for honeymoon couples, including the following…
Pacific Resort Aitutaki
Location: Amuri, Arutanga
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD1,052 per room
Description: The Pacific Resort is a luxury 5-star resort on the island of Aitutaki. This hideaway resort offers private beachfront accommodation, beautiful lagoon views and great spa facilities. Choose between the spacious beachfront bungalows or suites. All of the accommodation includes a private sun deck and beach shower overlooking the lagoon. The larger suites also offer a private garden bathroom. A full American breakfast is included in the room rate, which includes fresh tropical fruit. Guests can enjoy Pacific influenced cuisine in the hotel’s lagoon view restaurant or simply chill out at the beachfront bar. The resort also offers a Polynesian themed buffet evening with live entertainment.
Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa
Location: Arutanga
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD583 per room
Description: Situated on its own private island, this luxury resort offers beach-front and over-water bungalows with panoramic views of Aitutaki Lagoon. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, day spa and beachfront pool. Each bungalow is air-conditioned and features satellite TV, DVD player, refrigerator and a verandah with sun loungers. Bungalows with open-air showers and direct access to the lagoon are available. Tropical breakfast is included each morning, with fresh fruits, baked pastries, cereals, juice, tea and coffee. Guests at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort enjoy free windsurfing, canoeing, snorkelling and cultural activities. Flying Boat Beach Bar & Grill features views over Sunset Beach. Bounty Restaurant offers seafood platters or a tasting menu with matching wines. The day spa offers massages, a sauna and a hot tub. The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa is a 2-minute ride by small private ferry from the main island of Aitutaki. Rarotonga Airport is a 45-minute flight from Aitutaki.
Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas
Location: Arutanga
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD434 per room
Description: Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas offers relaxing beachside boutique villas on Aitutaki Island. Rustic wood furnishings, stunning ocean views and lovely tropical gardens add to the charm of this secluded property. Recline on the beach's sun loungers, swim in the pool or enjoy free use of kayaks, bicycles and snorkelling gear. The tour desk books car and motorbike rentals, lagoon cruises, guided island tours and diving tours. The modern Polynesian-style villas feature thatched roofs, large covered verandas and a fully equipped kitchen. Each offers local works of art, ironing facilities and a audio-visual entertainment system. The self-service Honesty Bar offers delightful drinks, while free breakfast is served at the pool side. There are also local dining options within a 10-minute walk of the property. tu Moana Villas is a 3-minute drive from Aitutaki Airport and 5 km from Aitutaki Golf Club. Guests enjoy free return airport transfers.
Best time to honeymoon on Aitutaki Island
The best time of year to visit Aitutaki for a beach holiday is during the relatively dry season from June through September. However, anytime from late-May to mid-October is good for warm weather activities.
During the peak tourist season, from June through August, the island of Aitutaki enjoys an average high of 27°C (80°F).
Aitutaki Island has a tropical climate, with a relatively dry season from June to September and a rainy season from December to May.
Read more about Aitutaki Island weather…
Getting there
Air Rarotonga operates daily flights between Rarotonga and Aitutaki islands – flight time is 50mins.
Air New Zealand offers direct flights from Sydney and Auckland to Rarotonga; Virgin Australia Airlines also operates direct flights to Rarotonga from Auckland.
Information on how to get to Cook Islands…
More about the Cook Islands…
Latest update: Aitutaki Island, Cook Islands: 15 August, 2022
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