Aitutaki information page, times,
locations, things to do!
Aitutaki Activities are mainly water based,
Sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, fishing, whale and turtle watching,
and just getting out and seeing all the Motu's
( little islands ) the lagoon is famous for. Of course
there is land based activities, visiting the villages, dining, shops, and getting
out and meeting the locals.
Visiting
Aitutaki Lagoon,
Cook Islands
for your vacation is one of the best vacation destination decisions you
may ever make. The Aitutaki lagoon is as idyllic a place as you will ever
find; many poets and writers have spun thousands of lines describing its
wonders and beauty. Matriki was built on the foundation that all people
should be able to enjoy this splendor without the high costs associated
with such remote travel. Aitutaki lagoon offers
snorkeling, diving,
fishing, whale
watching, picnicking on
beautiful beaches,
sailing, kayaking, and much more. While
snorkeling, you can view a myriad of
colorful fish and see first-hand the
giant clams of Aitutaki and the South Pacific; these clams are now
protected in four separate reserves in the Aitutaki lagoon.
Bone
fishing is a thrill all its own - although we don't eat the fish they
are truly a rush to stalk and catch. Fishing
for pelagic species outside of the Aitutaki lagoon offers up
Yellow Fin Tuna
(Ahi), Dorado
(dolphin fish), Wahoo,
and array of jacks and snapper. Bring some of your catch back and perhaps
we will make you some sushi or special fish dishes. At Matriki we practice
fishing conservation - never kill what you can't eat in a few days, and
never kill billfish.
The local Aitutaki scuba diving operators will
safely show you some of the Cook Islands best diving; they are safe,
reliable, and very knowledgeable. Matriki has hobies for hire, sail the
Aitutaki lagoon and discover what all the fuss is about for yourself. Your
hosts are always there to answer questions, take you on tours, sailing
adventures, fishing trips, and more.
Dreaming of a Cook Islands vacation?
Aitutaki will fill your days with sun, sand, and beaches. Aitutaki is
Known as the Cook Islands vacation island and offers up spectacular
beaches, and crystal clear turquoise waters. Matriki lets you enjoy this
environment normally reserved for the more affluent travel by providing
Aitutaki accommodations at
budget prices.
We
are located on the same stretch of Aitutaki beach as the other more costly
accommodations.
See what our
guests have to say about a Matriki Cook Islands vacation!
Here are some of Aitutaki’s restaurants. (Things are always changing so
let us know if any of the information you find here is out of date.)
Café Tupuna – Famed for the best meals on the island. It’s
located inland, in a garden setting, high up behind Arutanga. Open for
dinner only and reservations are a must. *This is a popular spot so get
there early, at least before 7pm. # 31678 (NZ $26-30)
The Boat Shed – With a focus on seafood, this place is
another popular spot. A great place to catch a sunset or even a little
whale watching during the season. Sailing and fishing paraphernalia cover
the walls, fun to look at and a little piece of history. #31739
Samade on the Beach – Bring your bathing suit if you come
for lunch! One of the best swimming beaches on the island…oh and food,
too. They also have kayaks for rent. The food is not exotic but reasonable
priced. Tuesday nights they have Island Night (*See the “Island Night”
page), and Sunday is their famous BBQ ($22 per person). #31526 (Lunch NZ
$7-10, Dinner (NZ $13-20)
Puffy’s Bar, Restaurant and Takeaway – Guests report Puffy’s
has excellent fish & chips. Our first choice for an Island Night, held on
Fridays (*See the “Island Night” page). This is a popular spot with
locals. Meals are basic but good. Open for lunch 11am – 2pm, and dinner
6pm -10pm. #31317
Kuku’s – Typical lunch fare; burgers, fish & chips. They
also have rolls, desserts and hot meals. Clean and funky with affordable
prices. Open Mon thru Fri 10am –7pm, Sat 10am – 4pm. (NZ $3 - 11) #31071
The Blue Nun – Located by the wharf, this place serves
breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, steak, and other snack. One guest
said they have the cheapest burgers on the island, about $5, and the
quality was good. Open Mon thru Wed 9am – 6pm, and Thurs thru Sat 9am –
noon. The bar is open Thurs thru Sat from 8pm until midnight. A DJ and
dancing, attracts the young local crowd.
(NZ $ 4 - 25)
Te Vaka Bar & Grill – If you’re walking, this spot is just
100m down the road, (turn right out the drive way). A good selection of
food, with lots of seafood dishes, pasta, steak, chicken, and desserts, in
a pleasant setting. Reservations are required. Open 7 days a week.
Breakfast (tropical buffet) 7:30am-10:30am, Lunch Noon – 2:30pm, Dinner
6:30pm – 9:30pm (aprox). #31810 (Dinner NZ $ 16 -30)
Rapae Bay Restaurant – Located in the Pacific Resort, this
upscale restaurant serves Pacific fusion cuisine. The setting is lovely,
though the meals are pricey. Reservations are required. They have two
Island nights, Mon. & Fri. (*See the “Island Nights” page). Breakfast 7:30
am – 11am, Lunch noon – 3:30pm, Dinner 6:30pm – 9pm (aprox). #31720 (Lunch
from NZ $10, Dinner NZ $25-45)
Spider Café – There are two Spider Café’s in town – one is
for internet and groceries, the other one (closest to us) is a
restaurant/take-away. They have burgers, Chinese food, and pizza. Burgers
run about $6, the Chinese food averages $15 per dish, and large pizza is
$17. The pizza is actually pretty good though there may be a few
ingredients on it which aren’t listed on the menu! Open Mon thru Wed 10am
– 10:30pm, Thurs thru Sat 10am – midnight, and Sun 6pm – 10:30pm.
(NZ $6 – 20)
You shouldn’t leave Aitutaki without attending an Island Night. Here you
have the opportunity to try some traditional Cook Island dishes – such as
pork cooked in an underground oven, taro, and local fish. Then you’ll be
treated to singing, dancing, and drumming performed by local groups whose
enthusiasm, you will find, is contagious. Reservations are required at
some restaurants and a good idea, in general. There are several Island
Nights held throughout the week at different restaurants. Here’s a
schedule:
Sunday - None
Monday - Pacific Resort (# 31720)
“Pacific Night” $65 pp, a la carte set menu, dinner 7pm,
show 8:30pm
Tuesday- Samade Bar (#31526)
$35 pp, buffet, show, includes pick up (comes right to resort), or you
can watch the show with the purchase of a drink
Wednesday - Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa (#31201)
$55 pp, buffet 7pm, show 8pm – reservations required, go to the
dock and there will be a phone which calls direct to front desk for
boat pick up
Thursday - None
Friday -
Puffy’s Bar & Restaurant (#31317)
$30 pp, buffet, show, can watch show w/purchase of drink,
Matriki's
choice for best value.
Pacific Resort (#31720)
$65 pp, buffet 7pm, show 8:30pm
Saturday - Aitutaki Lagoon resort & Spa (#31201)
$55 pp, buffet 7pm, show 8pm – reservations required, go to the dock and
there will be a phone which calls direct to front desk for boat pick up
There’s no shortage of things to do here on Aitutaki…though you may choose
to do nothing at all! Here are some of the most popular activities and
tours.
Lagoon Tours: This is a favorite activity of most visitors
to Aitutaki. There’s a wide variety of tour companies, so whether you want
to mingle with a crowd or enjoy a more personal experience, you’ll find
something to suit your needs.
Matriki Sea Adventures – Cap’n Fred will show you the lagoon
in style in our comfortable 7m longboat. There are 4 tours to choose from.
Our “Lagoon & Snorkel Tour” will take you outside the reef to Eagle Ray
Alley where you can snorkel with graceful Eagle Rays, over to the Giant
Clam reserve, and on to a special snorkeling spot for a spectacular close
up view of local clams, colourful coral, and fish life. From there, you’ll
head to Maina/Honeymoon Islands for lunch. These islands are less touristy
and have no mosquitoes, (Hooray!). Here you’ll also see the rare
red-tailed tropicbird and be able to relax in the shallow water of the
sandbank. Max 6 people. $60 per person includes tour, lunch, and snorkel
gear.
The extended tour is same as above but we go to one
foot island for lunch instead on Maina. $75 per person.
There is also a “Snorkel & Fish Tour” where you can snorkel
Eagle Ray Alley and the wreck of the Alexander then try your luck bottom
fishing and catch dinner, which will be BBQ’d back at the resort! Max 4
people. $75 per person includes tour, lunch, snorkel & fishing gear.
On the “Snorkel & Deep Sea Fishing Tour”, you’ll head
offshore to try for larger fish such as Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Wahoo, and
then stop outside the reef on the way home for snorkeling. *Min 2 people,
Max 4. 2 people = $150 per person, 3 people = $125 per person, 4 people =
$100 per person includes tour, lunch, snorkel & fishing gear.
For those who just want to fish, the “Deep Sea Fishing Tour”
is fishing only. * Min 2 people, Max 4. 2 people = $150 per person, 3
people = $125 per person, 4 people = $100 per person includes fishing,
lunch, and all fishing gear.
Our tours are small and personalized. We specialize in snorkeling the
outer reef. Sign up in the office for any of our tours or talk to Fred to
arrange a Private Adventure!
Bishop Cruises – Offers a 45’ catamaran with upstairs
sundeck, bar, and toilet facilities. They also have a smaller motor boat
which does taxi runs and snorkeling tours. Cost is $65 per person and
includes snorkeling gear, beach towels, buffet lunch, and hotel transfer.
Aitutaki Glass Bottom Boat – Captain Lawton takes you out on
his glass bottom boat. A good trip for those who want to see some fish but
don’t want to snorkel – though snorkeling and swimming are available. He
will take you outside the reef to see turtles and then on to Maina and
Honeymoon Islands. A BBQ lunch is served onboard. Up to 14 people max., a
comfortable trip with lots of information provided. Cost is $65 full day,
and $45 half day.
Coral Escapes – Private luxury is what Mike Lee offers. He
does a lagoon cruise, takes you to see the clams, also to see turtles, and
has a BBQ lunch with fruit and light refreshments. His catamaran style
boat is spacious, with comfy lounge chairs to recline in, and he
specializes in very small groups – a relaxing honeymoon tour. (#31098)
Kia Orana Cruises – They offer two boats, one takes up to
ten people and one is a smaller but with no sun cover. You will have a
four island cruise with snorkeling, swimming, and a buffet lunch. They
also offer a drop off service. The cost is $65 per person and includes
snorkeling gear, lunch, and hotel transfer.
Paradise Island Lagoon Tours – Cruise aboard the Titi ai
Tonga to Moturakau, snorkeling, and then One Foot Island. A BBQ lunch is
served onboard and entertainment is provided. Towels and snorkeling gear
are provided. Cost is $55 per person.
Aitutaki Adventure Tours – They go to Honeymoon Island
snorkeling then over to One Foot Island for lunch at their hut, more
snorkeling and then another island.
Why not try your hand at a little sportfishing?
You can fish right out front of the reef or go out after the big boys!
Matriki Sea Adventures – If you are a confirmed fish-aholic, or even if
you’ve never held a rod in your life, Cap’n Fred will take you out to try
for the big one. Enjoy a day outside the reef bottom fishing or go a
little further out for game fish such as Tuna and Wahoo, or do a little of
both! Fred takes a maximum of 4 people on his fishing trips; your comfort
and safety are his priority. The giant trevally are always ready to pull
your arms out of your sockets, these fish are serious heavy weights and
there is plenty of action: (Casting for Giant Trevally is not for
beginners).
We also offer a “Snorkel & Fish Tour” that gives you part of the day
bottom fishing and part of the day snorkeling. Whatever your wish, we will
work hard to make it come true.
“Deep Sea Fishing” – 2 people (min) $150 per person, 3 people $125 per
person, 4 people (max) $100 per person. Includes full day fishing (4-6
hours), and all fishing gear.
“Snorkel & Fish” – Snorkel the outer reef, Eagle Ray Alley, and the wreck
of the Alexander, then finish with bottom fishing. $75 per
person (minimum 3 people) includes tour, lunch, all snorkel & fishing gear.
The warm, clear water of Aitutaki is a diver’s dream. There’s nothing like
seeing tropical fish and coral up close and personal!
Bubbles Below – Onu Hewwett, the owner/operator of Bubbles Below, is an
NZQA accredited SSI Diving Instructor. You can go on a 1 or 2 tank dive
outside the reef with a good chance of seeing Eagle Rays, turtles, and
possibly even a reef shark! With a 2 tank dive they offer free hotel
transfer, (1 tank dives pay $10 for transfer), all equipment, and light
refreshments once you return. (You should be aware that if you opt for a 2
tank dive they are both in the same location). Dives are usually in the
morning – hotel pick up is between 8-8:15am – and return around 1:30 pm
leaving you lots of time to enjoy the rest of the day. Cost for a 1 tank
dive is $95, 2 tank dive $170 + free hotel transfer.
They also offer snorkeling for $40 per person, but only if there are
divers going out as well, (call to enquire).
If you’ve always wanted to learn to dive, Bubbles Below offers PADI
courses.
PADI Open Water Course (aprox. 4 days needed) = $450
PADI Advanced Open Water Course (a few days needed) = $475
Discover Scuba* (for those wishing to “sample” diving but not wanting to
take the full course) = $160
*does not give you certification for diving
They operate Mon thru Sat. #31537 or Mobile# 50919
You can easily explore the island on your own, or if you’d like some local
insight, there are a few tours to choose from.
Have a layover on Rarotonga and want to trek up some
of the beautiful mountains,
click here.
Note: this is a Rarotonga Island activity.
Aitutaki Island activities:
Tauono’s Plantation Tour & Organic Garden – Tauono’s organic
garden and café is just a short walk away from Matriki. This is a stop we
highly recommend. You’ll love his laid back personality and Island charm,
and the fruits and vegetables are good, too! Tauono and his wife Sonja
have a small garden and café but you can also take a tour of their
plantation and learn more about organic agriculture on Aitutaki, (and
maybe a history lesson or two!).
The market is open Mon – Fri 10am to 5pm. Plantation tours operate Mon,
Wed, and Fri from 10am until noon. The cost is $35 per person, with a $5
discount if you supply your own transportation. We suggest you call ahead
to check if tours are running. #31-562. **We also suggest you wear
mosquito repellant if you visit the market as there are quite a few
mozzies flying around.
Aitutaki Discovery Safari Tours – They offer a guided inland
tour of Aitutaki with an experienced local guide. Highlights include: the
sacred site of the ancient Marae, Mt. Maungapu, historical landmarks, a
plantation, and World War II tracks & bunkers. Tours operate Sun –Friday
and include transfers and refreshments. #31757
Aitutaki Walkabout Tours – They offer scooter or walking
tours, as well as a Marae & feast tour. Tours run Mon thru Sat and
reservations are required. #31757
Island Circle – For the free-spirited, you can very easily
circle the island on your own. At a comfortable pace, you can scooter
around the island in about 30 min, and on a bike in about 45 min to 1
hour. Walking is also an option – but remember to bring lots of water!
Please see us if you’d like a map, (not that you really need one).
Mt. Maungapu – To climb Aitutaki’s highest peak, follow
these directions: Follow the main road heading toward the airport. At the
sign for “Paradise Cove Resort” turn right. Go up the small paved road -
it will turn to dirt. You’ll come to a Y in the road – turn left and that
road will take you right to the top. This is a good activity for those
cooler days when the sun won’t cooperate. Remember to bring water, (and a
camera), and watch your step if it’s been raining as the ground can get
quite slippery. This is an easy hike so relax and enjoy the walk!
Shopping
It’s best to shop early if you’re looking for fish, fruits & veggies, or
fresh bread. You’ll find a selection of small shops along the road about
1km past Matriki, so you can walk, but if you plan on buying a lot of
groceries we suggest hiring a scooter or a bike. There are a couple of
shops which sell souvenirs and local handicrafts. Most stores are closed
Sundays and there is no alcohol sold on Sundays.
Maina Traders Superstore – Located in the center of town,
this is the largest shop with the widest selection. Their prices are
better than most stores, as well, and they also have a small section in
the back with touristy goodies. They’re open Mon-Sat 7am to 7pm
The Aitutaki Market – The market opens at 7am and we suggest
you be there right at opening if you want to buy fish or fruits and
vegetables. Here you can also find local dishes such as Roku (boiled taro
leaf) and Poke (a kind of banana custard dessert type thing – very
filling).
The “Heineken Store” - Look for the green Heineken logo out
front. This shop has more specialty items but they are pricey. Prices
aren’t listed so make sure to ask before you buy. There’s also an ice
cream counter with really tasty ice cream!
Vonnia’s – The closest thing to Wal-Mart on Aitutaki! There
are a handful of souvenir items and clothing plus assorted other goodies.
Cash & Carry – One of the few shops open on Sunday. Not a
huge selection but good enough to keep you fed!
Avarua Bakery - Come hungry! This bakery makes all those
soft, yummy loaves of bread sold on the island. You’ll love seeing the
loaves come out of the giant wood fired oven and chatting with owners Nga
Nga and Betsy. Directions: Take the road inland at the town center, about
1/2 km, then take the first right turn and it’s on your immediate right.
Moana Creations – They have the largest selection of
souvenirs on the island. Tons of pareaus and tropic shirts. If you’re
looking for a coconut bra, this is the place! Located in the long building
by the wharf, the shop is open Mon thru Fri from 8:30am – 2pm, and Sat
8:30 – 12:30. Closed Sun.
Mango Traders – Not quite as large a selection as Moana, but
lots of pareaus and beautiful tropical-patterned fabric. Located beside
the Spider Café (not the internet café, the other one).
There are seven different churches of different denominations on
the island – any local will be happy to tell you when and where the
services are. If you’d just like to go for the singing, we recommend the
Arutanga church (the large white church) near the main 4-way junction.
Please be respectful of local culture – dress conservatively, men should
have nice shirts, no singlets, shorts, or beach attire.
Bank: ANZ Bank - this is the bank closest to us. They have an ATM
on site. Open: Mon thru Thurs 9am – 12noon & 1pm – 3pm. ATM's
always accessible.
Westpac Bank – Located at the main 4 way junction in town. They
have an ATM on site.
Open: Mon, Wed, and Fri 9:30am – 3pm
Post Office: Located next to Westpac Bank at the main 4 way
junction in town. They have postal service, phone cards, fax, and Western
Union.
Open: Mon thru Fri 8am – 4pm
Hair Salon: Emeli’s Hair Salon – Located in the long building by
the wharf. Open: Mon thru Fri 10:30am to “late”. #31790 and Mobile
#56216
Internet: Spider Internet Café – Besides internet, they also have
groceries, a lounge, and office supplies. Internet rates are: NZ$3
minimum, up to 8 minutes then .30 per minute after that. And after 1 hour
the rate is .20 per
minute. Internet here is slow…very slow, so be patient!
Open: Mon thru Sat 7am –Midnight, Sundays 6pm –
9pm
Telephone: You are welcome to make local calls through us for .50
per call. You can also make international calls but the cost will depend
on the
location called and length of the call.
Matriki Rentals Scooters: We have two scooters for rent. The newer scooter is $25 per day
and $125 per week. The older scooter is $15 per day and $75 per week. For
any scooter rental you will need a Cook Islands driver’s license. They’re
easy to get; go down to the Police Station located near the wharf, and
just pay NZ$2.50
Make sure you are comfortable driving a scooter; we don’t want you to go
home with the “Aitutaki Tattoo”! Fred can help get you set up.
Bikes : We have push bikes for rent for $7 per day and $40 week.
Snorkeling gear: Mask, fins, snorkel,
$3NZ per day.
Samade on the Beach
Kayak rentals: Single kayak- 1 hr $10, 4 hrs
$15, Whole day $20
Double kayak - 1 hr $20, 4 hrs $30, Whole day $40
Phone# 31526
Rino’s Rentals – They rent cars, jeeps, scooters, and push bikes.
Ph# 31559
Puffy’s Bar & Restaurant (#31317)