Bike rides are a great way to see the island’s beautiful attractions. The main roads are flat and easy to cycle along. The island is only 11 miles in circumference, so a bike ride around the entire island is easy. Many hotels, resorts, and other accommodations offer bicycles to rent or hire. It is a cheap and fun way to get around.

Renting your own car when traveling to the island can be good if you are looking to travel around the main coastal areas at your own pace and be flexible. There are car rental cares at the airport and some locations around the island.

Scooters are one of the most economical ways to get around the island. It is a small island and easily explored by scooter, with many places that offer rentals, including some accommodations. A local scooter license is required to legally drive a scooter and can be picked up from the Arutanga Police Station. 

Renting your own car when travelling to the island can be good if you are looking to travel around the main coastal areas at your own pace and be flexible. There are car rental cares at the airport and some locations around the island.

There are two taxi services available on the island: Pacifica Taxi and Tropicool Tours. They can be hailed on the street or booked over the phone. Taxis run on meters but tend to be expensive, costing around NZ$10-$20 for a trip around the island. 

Yes, walking around the island is one of the best ways to explore the island’s beaches, restaurants, shops, and attractions. There are many scenic walks available along the coast. The island measures around 11 miles in circumference, so it is relatively small and easily navigated on foot. 

Bike rides are a great way to see the island’s beautiful attractions. The main roads are flat and easy to cycle along. The island is only 11 miles in circumference, so a bike ride around the entire island is easy. Many hotels, resorts, and other accommodations offer bicycles to rent or hire. It is a cheap and fun way to get around.

Aitutaki is considered a very safe destination to visit. However, due to its increased population and visitors over the recent years, crimes against tourists are becoming more common with petty theft and muggings. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, use common sense, and keep your valuables out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets and tourist attractions. At night, stay in well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable transportation companies instead of taking rides from strangers. Be careful when walking at night, and don’t walk outside the main center of town.

There are not too many shops to choose from on Aitutaki Island. Visitors will find a small store for basic supplies, and there is only one store open on Sundays. There are a few grocery stores, and roadside stalls for fresh fruits and vegetables found along the main road. Some things shoppers can look for on the island are locally made handicrafts, unique souvenirs, craft shell jewelry, handmade sarongs, wood carvings, colorful pareos, and more. The main town of Arutanga boasts a few cute island boutiques and some vibrant markets where shoppers can experience a piece of the island’s rich cultural heritage. 

Beaches in the Cook Islands are some of the most spectacular in the world, and the beaches on Aitutaki are unbelievably beautiful. One of the most popular things to do here on the island of Aitutaki and the rest of the Cook Islands is to visit the breathtaking beaches. Relaxing on the sands with the tropical palms swaying in the ocean breeze, walking along the soft white sands, and simply enjoying the peace and quiet of these secluded slices of paradise are what attract visitors to the islands. Aitutaki boasts stunning beaches and crystal-clear tropical lagoon waters that provide the perfect holiday destination for guests to unwind and reflect on the incredible natural beauty of the island. Many resorts on the island boast their own private beaches, which offer guests a very secluded environment and experience.

O’otu Beach is one of the most incredible beaches in the Cook Islands. It’s popular for its crystal clear, calm waters, which are some of the clearest on earth, and for the soft, white sand. It’s a small strip of beachfront with views across the lagoon and islands in the distance. There are shallow and deep areas for swimming. It is one of the best and most famous beaches in Aitutaki. The water is great for kayaking and there is a great beach bar close by.

Honeymoon Beach is on the spectacular idyllic Honeymoon Island, offering visitors a peaceful piece of paradise and a great escape from the main island. The beach here boasts breathtaking views and spectacular clear waters. The beach features soft white sand, and the waters are excellent for snorkeling and swimming.

Maori is the official language of Aitutaki. English is widely spoken here, especially in the service industry. Take some time to learn key phrases like hello/goodbye, please/thank you, and numbers from 1-10.

The weather in Aitutaki is warm, sunny, and tropical, with daily average temperatures averaging between 77- 86F. The island is a wonderful destination to visit throughout the year with balmy weather that can be enjoyed on the serene island beaches, and warm tropical turquoise waters. There are two main seasons, the wet (December to April) and dry seasons (June to October), as well as cyclone season when storms are possible but very rare. 

The currency of Aitutaki is the New Zealand Dollar NZ$. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for New Zealand dollars upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.

There are only a few restaurants on the small island of Aitutaki, with quite a few found lining the beautiful beaches. A lot of restaurants are found inside the hotels and resorts on the island, and many include a delicious buffet dinner and a traditional Polynesian show. A few cafes are dotted around the island for a cup of coffee and freshly baked goods. There are roadside stalls selling fresh produce, smoothies, and a few popular food trucks making delicious fresh food on the go. Visitors can enjoy an array of culinary delights with delicious meals served in stunning beachside locations and sunset views. Local authentic cuisines can be discovered at high-class restaurants with fresh fish and seafood being one of the most popular choices. 

Savor some of the sweet-tasting tropical fruits of the island, including pineapples, pawpaw, coconuts, and bananas, which are so refreshing. Fresh, delicious tropical smoothies are a delicious treat across the island as are a nu (young green coconut), which are chilled and ready to drink right from the shell. Rarotonga-style food includes local dishes like ika mata (marinated raw fish), Maroro (flying fish), Buku (young tarol plant leaves), mitiore (fermented coconut with onions and seafood), poke, goat curry, curried octopus, and parrot fish. Food trucks are increasingly popular on the island many can be found by the Avatiu Harbor serving up a mixture of different cuisines including Mexican, Mediterranean, and Greek dishes. 

Aitutaki features quite a nice selection of nightlife offerings to enjoy some laid-back island nights. Resorts and hotels on the island are some of the best places to spend your evenings. A Pacific or Island night begins with a delicious buffet-style dinner followed by a traditional fun Polynesian Show with traditional music and dance, and Aitutkian fire dancers. There are some excellent evenings spent on the Aitutaki lagoon with breathtaking views of a spectacular sunset with a tropical cocktail in hand. 

In case of an emergency dial 999

Hospital:

Aitutaki Hospital tel.682-31-002.