Arutanga Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Arutanga which includes fishing and general coastal views as well as a small group of people
Forget your troubles while you enjoy the beautiful stretches of long white coastline and azure lagoons of the famed Cook Islands.

Arutanga, also known as Rutanga O Te Toa, is the main village on the triangular-shaped atoll of Aitutaki. Relax on untouched beaches, float on crystal clear water and let all your worries drift away.

The islets in this area are volcanic and coral. Shallow water passages near the shore make it easy for boats to anchor. Canoe, cruise or kayak over the Aitutaki Lagoon or swim, snorkel or scuba dive around one of the motus (islets).

Gaze upon huge banyan trees or relax on One Foot Island where you can have your passport stamped. Join a fly-fishing or deep-sea fishing tour or try the local method of bone fishing. See a music and dance performance in the village of Vaipae.

The first Polynesians came to the Cook Islands around A.D. 800. With the exception of sightings by the Spanish, the islands remained relatively unaffected by Western influence until 1773. Christian missionaries came to the islands in 1821 and Aitutaki was the first place Christianity was adopted. Visit the oldest church in the Cook Islands, the Arutanga Cook Islands Christian Church.

Trek up Maunga Pu, the highest hill on the northern part of the island. During low tide, island hop along the stretch of land known as the Ootu Peninsula.

New Zealand and American forces built airstrips on Aitutaki during World War II. In the 1950s, Aitutaki Lagoon was a landing place along the Coral Route for the TEAL (Tasman Empire Airways Limited) flying boats. See the air strip and decaying jetty on Akaiami, the final remnants of the flights that ceased in 1960.

On Saturdays the Arutanga Wharf Market is held in an area that was once the epicenter of the banana business. Since the banana market declined, these markets have become popular for purchasing souvenirs, decorative woodcarvings, tapa cloth designs, contemporary and traditional paintings, fresh tropical fruit, vegetables and hand-woven baskets, hats, fans and mats.

Located on western Aitutaki Island, Arutanga is a 15-minute drive from the airport.

Beautiful 2 bedroom Polynesian villa
Beautiful 2 bedroom Polynesian villa
Aitutaki
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Aitutaki. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Arutanga Harbour and Vaipae Church ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
Loved our stay at Te Via Moana!
"Extremely picturesque beyond the script of words. The house was extremely clean! Thank you for leaving us a few food items so that we could relax and have a cup of tea before shopping. Loved your location. Fantastic shower and sleep. We highly recommend this VRBO on beautiful Aitutaki!"

Reviewed on 13 Oct. 2024

Beautiful 2 bedroom Polynesian villa
ROEN Accom
ROEN Accom
2 out of 5
Arutanga, Aitutaki
Stay at this vacation home in Aitutaki. Enjoy free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Arutanga Harbour and Vaipae Church are located nearby.
ROEN Accom
Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort - Adults Only
Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort - Adults Only
4.5 out of 5
Aitutaki Lagoon, Motu Akitua, Aitutaki
The price is AU$655 per night from 4 Dec to 5 Dec
AU$655
includes taxes & fees
4 Dec - 5 Dec
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Aitutaki. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (67 reviews)
"This property is to die for. The location is one of the best in the world as the true beauty of Aitutaki is everywhere you look with the turquoise blue waters and white sand beaches and sand bars. The beef tenderloin and prawns were excellent along with the wine. The bed was super comfortable. Loved ..."

Reviewed on 1 Nov. 2024

Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort - Adults Only
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beautiful 2 bedroom Polynesian villa
Beautiful 2 bedroom Polynesian villa
Aitutaki
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Aitutaki. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Arutanga Harbour and Vaipae Church ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
Loved our stay at Te Via Moana!
"Extremely picturesque beyond the script of words. The house was extremely clean! Thank you for leaving us a few food items so that we could relax and have a cup of tea before shopping. Loved your location. Fantastic shower and sleep. We highly recommend this VRBO on beautiful Aitutaki!"

Reviewed on 13 Oct. 2024

Beautiful 2 bedroom Polynesian villa
ROEN Accom
ROEN Accom
2 out of 5
Arutanga, Aitutaki
Stay at this vacation home in Aitutaki. Enjoy free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Arutanga Harbour and Vaipae Church are located nearby.
ROEN Accom
Aitutaki Escape
Aitutaki Escape
5 out of 5
Amuri, Aitutaki
Stay at this 5-star luxury villa in Aitutaki. Enjoy free parking, a private beach, and a free airport shuttle. Popular attractions Maungapu and Aitutaki Golf ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"Loved our time at Escape Aitutaki. The house was beautiful and had all the necessary facilities. We had our own private deck and pool at the back which was lovely. Great place to relax and enjoy the sea view. Thomas and Lizzy were very friendly and helpful as were the staff. We thoroughly enjoyed ..."

Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2024

Aitutaki Escape
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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