Aitutaki Atoll : COOK ISLANDS
Aitutaki is one of the Cook Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The barrier reef that forms the basis of Aitutaki is roughly the shape of an equilateral triangle with each side measuring 12 km in length. The southern edge of the triangle is almost totally below the surface of the ocean, and the eastern side is composed of a string of small islands (including Mangere, Akaiami, and Tekopua). The Aitutaki Lagoon in the Cook Islands is one of the most beautiful island lagoons in the world, with its world-famous stunning lagoon, coral reefs and small islets. The islets are also called ' motu '. It is situated in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean with thousands of kilometers of open sea from any mainland or continent. The lagoon has recently been made famous for another reason. Survivor Cook Islands was recently filmed there with all the publicity that came with it and visitors can take the opportunity of visiting the Aitutaki Survivor locations in the atoll. Aitutaki has many attractions, including the magnificent lagoon itself and the small islands that border the lagoon. The scuba diving is also excellent with the fringing reefs having a great deal of coral and marine life. The coral sand beaches are second to none and the accommodation ranges from 5 star luxury to small beach huts. Aitutaki, also traditionally known as Araura, Ararau and Utataki, is one of the Cook Islands, north of Rarotonga. It has a population of approximately 2,000. Aitutaki is the second most visited island of the Cook Islands. The capital (main village) is Arutanga (Arutunga) on the west side.
Aitutaki is an "almost atoll", located at 18°50′S 159°45′W. It has a maximum elevation of approximately 123 metres with the hill known as Maunga Pu close to its northernmost point. The land area of the atoll is 18.05 km², of which the main island occupies 16.8 km² [1]. The Ootu Peninsula, protruding east from the main island in a southerly direction along the eastern rim of the reef, takes up 1.75 km² out of these 16.8 km² for the main island. [2]. For the lagoon, area figures between 50 and 74 km² are found. Satellite image measurement suggests that the larger figure also includes the reef flat, which is commonly not considered part of a lagoon. The barrier reef that forms the basis of Aitutaki is roughly the shape of an equilateral triangle with sides 12 kilometres in length. The southern edge of the triangle is almost totally below the surface of the ocean, and the eastern side is composed of a string of small islands (including Mangere, Akaiami, and Tekopua). The western side of the atoll contains many of Aitutaki's important features including a boat passage through the barrier reef allowing for anchorage close to shore at Arutanga. Towards the south of the side is a small break in the barrier reef, allowing access for small boats to the lagoon which covers most of the southern part of the triangle. Further to the north is the bulk of the main island. Its fertile volcanic soil provide tropical fruits and vegetables. Two of Aitutaki's 15 islets (motus) are also volcanic. The rest are made of coral. An airstrip is located close to the triangle's northern point. There is an area suitable for the landing of flying boats in the south eastern part of the lagoon.
Offering an alluring escape, Aitutaki provides tourists with a superb secluded and tranquil atmosphere to relax in. Just 18.3 sq km in size, this ‘almost atoll’ is a fantastic vacation destination with its gorgeous blue lagoon and magnificent sunsets. The second most populated of the Cook Islands, Aitutaki is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Ocean. Located 225km north of Rarotonga in the Southern Pacific, this beautiful island sits in a triangular shaped lagoon, with the lagoon’s outer reef dotted with a dozen or so picturesque motu or small islands. Made up of one major isle and 20 or so islets, Aitutaki for many is the idyllic beach paradise. The snorkeling and diving in the lagoon is simply breathtaking, with the ‘island nights’ performances here rated as the best in the Cooks. Historically, Aitutaki has had an impressive past, with the island first being discovered by Captain William Bligh and the ill-fated HMS Bounty in April 1789. The first island to accept Christianity, Aitutaki was also a key base for John Williams and the London Missionary Society. What is also impressive about Aitutaki’s past are the many marae or ancient religious meeting grounds found on the island. Historians believe that the Polynesians discovered Aitutaki around 900 AD, with the first settler here being Ru and his family, who named the island Utataki Enua O Ru Ki Te Moana. Another famous visitor to this island was Charles Darwin traveling aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835.
Aitutaki is an "almost atoll", located at 18°50′S 159°45′W. It has a maximum elevation of approximately 123 metres with the hill known as Maunga Pu close to its northernmost point. The land area of the atoll is 18.05 km², of which the main island occupies 16.8 km² [1]. The Ootu Peninsula, protruding east from the main island in a southerly direction along the eastern rim of the reef, takes up 1.75 km² out of these 16.8 km² for the main island. [2]. For the lagoon, area figures between 50 and 74 km² are found. Satellite image measurement suggests that the larger figure also includes the reef flat, which is commonly not considered part of a lagoon. The barrier reef that forms the basis of Aitutaki is roughly the shape of an equilateral triangle with sides 12 kilometres in length. The southern edge of the triangle is almost totally below the surface of the ocean, and the eastern side is composed of a string of small islands (including Mangere, Akaiami, and Tekopua). The western side of the atoll contains many of Aitutaki's important features including a boat passage through the barrier reef allowing for anchorage close to shore at Arutanga. Towards the south of the side is a small break in the barrier reef, allowing access for small boats to the lagoon which covers most of the southern part of the triangle. Further to the north is the bulk of the main island. Its fertile volcanic soil provide tropical fruits and vegetables. Two of Aitutaki's 15 islets (motus) are also volcanic. The rest are made of coral. An airstrip is located close to the triangle's northern point. There is an area suitable for the landing of flying boats in the south eastern part of the lagoon.
Offering an alluring escape, Aitutaki provides tourists with a superb secluded and tranquil atmosphere to relax in. Just 18.3 sq km in size, this ‘almost atoll’ is a fantastic vacation destination with its gorgeous blue lagoon and magnificent sunsets. The second most populated of the Cook Islands, Aitutaki is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Ocean. Located 225km north of Rarotonga in the Southern Pacific, this beautiful island sits in a triangular shaped lagoon, with the lagoon’s outer reef dotted with a dozen or so picturesque motu or small islands. Made up of one major isle and 20 or so islets, Aitutaki for many is the idyllic beach paradise. The snorkeling and diving in the lagoon is simply breathtaking, with the ‘island nights’ performances here rated as the best in the Cooks. Historically, Aitutaki has had an impressive past, with the island first being discovered by Captain William Bligh and the ill-fated HMS Bounty in April 1789. The first island to accept Christianity, Aitutaki was also a key base for John Williams and the London Missionary Society. What is also impressive about Aitutaki’s past are the many marae or ancient religious meeting grounds found on the island. Historians believe that the Polynesians discovered Aitutaki around 900 AD, with the first settler here being Ru and his family, who named the island Utataki Enua O Ru Ki Te Moana. Another famous visitor to this island was Charles Darwin traveling aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835.
