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Kia orana! We left off last week from the South Pacific island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. This week, we visit neighboring Aitutaki, which many compare to Bora Bora … minus the French. If you’re looking for a tropical island setting for a family adventure or a romantic escape that’s cheaper than Tahiti, but with the same incredible views and a ton of sea life (though not much human life) and all the comforts of home (Internet, TV, five-star hotel), then listen up. Aitutaki is for you!
AITUTAKI
The name Aitutaki comes from the words God (Aitu) and Led (Taki). Led by the gods. Aitutaki is just three to four miles long and one mile wide with a population of 1,400 people (about the size of my high school). The total land mass is just 18.5 square kilometers (7.1 square miles) and the island is almost completely surrounded by a large, shallow lagoon -- the deepest part is 10.5 meters (34 feet).
AIR RAROTONGA
To get to Aitutaki requires a 40-minute (230-kilometer) flight on Air Rarotonga. After my harrowing inter-island flight in Fiji a few years ago, I’m always nervous about getting on small, interisland planes. However, when I showed up at Rarotonga’s domestic terminal, I was relieved to learn the plane wasn’t that small – they use 34-passenger Saab 340 regional turbo-props with two pilots and one friendly, pretty flight attendant. The interior of the plane needed some fixing – the seat in front of me was broken but the flight was smooth as can be. Air Rarotonga flies this route four to six times per day and flights cost around $200 each way. FYI: There’s no security for domestic flights since terrorism is not a threat here, which just adds to the relaxed atmosphere.
AITUTAKI AIRPORT
I was expecting to be landing on a tiny airstrip or even a grass field but that couldn’t have been any further from the truth. Aitutaki’s runways are gigantic and that’s because the American and New Zealand armies built it during WWII. Apart from the long runway, the Aitutaki Airport (AIT) might be my new favorite. It’s so remote and quaint with it’s open-air terminal the size of a house and they welcome visitors with fresh leis and live music. On top of that, the ride to your hotel isn’t going to take longer than 10 minutes. Ours took just seven.
DID YOU KNOW?
There are no dogs on the island and they aren’t allowed to be brought in. There are a couple of rumors or legends as to why. One legend: dogs were thought to carry leprosy. The other story is that a dog mauled the child of a high chief and he banned them. The one good thing is you don’t have to worry about any dogs darting into the road while you drive unlike in Rarotonga.
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Copyright 2009 JohnnyJet, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Pictures From
The Trip

Rarotonga Domestic Terminal
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Pack Light
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Air Rarotonga
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Smooth Scenic Flight
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Arrival in Paradise
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Welcome Lei
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7 Minute Drive
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