Which island suits you?
Rarotonga vs Aitutaki
How the Cook Islands' two best-known visitor islands differ, and whether to combine them.
How the Cook Islands' two best-known visitor islands differ, and whether to combine them.
Rarotonga is the Cook Islands hub, with the greatest concentration of accommodation, restaurants, activities, shops and practical services. One main road loops the island, and official Tourism information says the full circuit takes roughly 45 minutes by vehicle.
Official Tourism currently describes Aitutaki as about 220 kilometres from Rarotonga and a 50-minute flight away, with 15 motu across its lagoon. It is slower and more concentrated around the lagoon experience.
Yes. The current official Aitutaki Day Tour operates Monday to Saturday from Rarotonga and includes return flights, an island tour, Vaka lagoon cruise, snorkelling and BBQ lunch. It is a strong option if time is limited.
Stay overnight if the lagoon is one of the main reasons for your Cook Islands trip, you want slower days, or you would rather choose your own cruise, restaurants and island activities instead of fitting them into a day-tour schedule.