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Aitutaki travel wonder in the Cook Islands in Polynesia |
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Why
Aitutaki Aitutaki has one of the world's most impressive tropical lagoons. This expansive yet shallow crystal-clear turquoise body of water is surrounded by coral reefs and palm-fringed, white-sand islets.
Aitutaki
This Hillman wonder in Polynesia appeals to those seeking a slow, easy, laidback, unhurried, get-away-from-it-all lifestyle as opposed to a hyper-active vacation scene.
What's exhilarating about Aitutaki lies beyond its main island. The chief enticements of this Polynesia island are cruising, snorkeling or fishing the lagoon - and exploring the motus (islets).
It's the islet nicknamed One Foot Island. Pastimes include picnicking and beach lazing plus swimming and snorkeling.
Two other islets - Rapota and Moturakau - were locations for the popular Survivor (American) and Shipwrecked (British) reality-show TV series.
They make perfect outings for honeymooners and other romantic couples seeking a Polynesia seclusion.
Lodging covers a broad price range, from budget huts to luxury resorts. One has over-water bungalows.
They include William Bligh of Mutiny on the Bounty fame (1789) - and Charles Darwin on his HMS Beagle voyage (1835).
The driest and least humid months are April to October. The wet and more humid period runs from November to March (and is least desirable from January to February).
The Cook Islands is an independent nation, but has close ties with its nearest big-country neighbor, New Zealand. For example, the Cook Islands draws most of its tourists from New Zealand - and has adopted that country's dollar as its official currency.
Rarotonga is the capital island of the Cook Islands and is the nation's international air gateway. You reach Aitutaki from there on a 45-minute flight.
View my other gold, silver & bronze medal
winners in Polynesia Each Hillman Wonder has its own web page, with candid tips and insights:
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