::Paparei Bungalows::

Aitutaki - Activities

There is plenty to see and do on Aitutaki. A day cruise on the beautiful lagoon includes awesome snorkelling, visits to the uninhabited motus (islets), swimming and a delectable lunch while listening to all the enchanting legends of Aitutaki. There are many day cruises to choose from. Fishing trips for tuna, marlin and wahoo are available and can be the highlight of many future "fishing tales" there is also a deep sea fishing club and fishing inside the lagoon is very popular, with trevalli, parrot and island snapper...all waiting for you.

A walk out to the reef at low tide and seeing all the small fish, the view of the island from there is rewarding. You should always wear shoes when walking in the lagoon as the stone fish, which are very hard to see, have a very painful sting. Scuba diving with a PADI-NAUI Instructor is an experience not to be missed, diving in clear warm water and viewing a myriad of marine life that you never knew existed. Snorkelling, kayaking and jet-sking can all be arranged. Get dropped off on a motu for the day, swim, relax, fish...do your own thing and get picked up later.

Back on land there are walking treks which include visiting historical marae sites, learning about native medicine plants and seeing local crafts being made. For the energetic, an early morning walk up Mount Maungapu 124m and Mount Piraki is very rewarding with their spectacular views. Personal guided tours of the Island are also very popular. Sunday is an accepted day of rest with church services beginning at 10am. Visitors are very welcome. The singing of traditional and modern hymns is very moving and afterwards refreshments are served and the history of the church is told. Aitutaki was the first island in the Cook Island Group to receive Christianity from LMS missionary John Williams and the ancient coral and lime church built on Aitutaki. This beautiful church is filled with lots of history and artifacts.

Local artist, David Temunakorero Nicholls will soon be opening his Kaiunga Gallery, displaying his carvings and paintings. David also plans to display some of the artifacts that have been found over recent years. His paintings are in both water-colour and oil, featuring local scenes and legends. Kaiunga Gallery is directly opposite the airport on the road towards Ootu Beach.