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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!
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Matriki Beach Huts: Information page!
Dining
Island activities
Island nights Groceries
Lagoon Tours
Souvenirs and Gifts
Fishing
Church
Scuba Diving
Rentals
Misc
Dining
Here are some of Aitutaki’s restaurants. (Things are always changing so
best is to ask when you are here.)
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 $26-35)
The Boat Shed – With a focus on seafood, this place is
another popular spot. A great place for the afternoon beer 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. 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 ($20 per person). #31526 (Lunch / Dinner (NZ $10-20)
Koru Cafe,
Great place for breakfast ($ 7.50 - $18.50) and tasty lunch($9.50 -
$22.50). Good coffee too. That's one place we go often. Open from 7am
everyday.
Puffy’s Bar, Restaurant and Takeaway – Guests report Puffy’s
has excellent fish & chips. Our first choice for an Island Night, held on
Wednesdays(*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
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 Sat 9am – 6pm. 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 or left along the beach). 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 -35)
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 with island show, 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)
Aitutaki Lagoon Resort, has
two restaurants whereby the Bounty Bar is a great setting with views over
the lagoon. A place to go for that special
lunch or dinner. And
that at reasonable prices en par with Tupunas. You take the ferry across
the channel and walk down to the Bounty Beach Bar. Open from 7.30am.
Island Nights
Attending an Island Night is part of the island experience. 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:
Monday Pacific Resort (# 31720)
“Pacific Night” $85 pp, a la carte set menu, dinner 7pm,
show 8:30pm
Tuesday- Samade Bar (#31526)
$45 pp, buffet, show, includes pick up (comes right to resort), or you
can watch the show with the purchase of a drink
Wednesday -
Puffy’s Bar & Restaurant (#31317)
$35 pp, buffet, show, can watch show w/purchase of drink,
Matriki's
choice for best value.
Romance Night with island
dance show at Pacific Resort $85 pp (#31720)
Thursday - Are Tamanu next door. Good food and show with fire
dancing al la 'warriors of Aitutaki'. $55pp
Friday -
Pacific Resort (#31720)
$85 pp, buffet 7pm, show 8:30pm
Monday and Saturday - Aitutaki Lagoon resort & Spa (#31201)
normal a la carte dining with show 8pm included– reservations required, go to the dock and
there will be a phone which calls direct to front desk for boat pick up
Lagoon tours
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 must do when visiting Aitutaki. The
lagoon is waht Aitutaki is all about. 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
– Matthias will show you the lagoon in style in our comfortable 7m
longboat. There are 2 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 tropic bird and be able
to relax in the shallow water of the sandbank. Max 7 people. $75 per
person includes tour, lunch, and snorkel gear. We go to places no one else
does and emphasize snorkeling.
If you have a group that would like to do an extended
tour to same as above but then go over to One Foot Island as well, it would be $85 per person, minimum 4 people.
For those who just want to fish, the “Deep Sea Fishing Tour”
is fishing only. * Max 4 people. 1 person = $150, 2 people = $250, 3
people = $350, 4 people = $400.
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 Matthias 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 $75 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 $75 full day,
and $55 half day.(ph 31452)
Coral Escapes – Private luxury is what Mike and Mere offer.
They do lagoon charters, take you to see the clams, also to see turtles, and
have a BBQ lunch with fruit and light refreshments. Their boat 'Black
Pearl' with which they also offer fishing charters is comfy and they
specializes in very small groups – a relaxing honeymoon tour. Prices from
$220 to $350 (ph 31125)
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 some snorkeling, swimming, and a buffet lunch. They
also offer a drop off service. The cost is $75 per person and includes
snorkeling gear, lunch, and hotel transfer.(ph 31442)
Paradise Island Lagoon Tours – Cruise aboard the Titi ai
Tonga to Moturakau, snorkeling, and then One Foot Island together with the
daytourists from Rarotonga. A BBQ lunch is
served onboard and entertainment is provided. Towels and snorkeling gear
are provided. Cost is $65 per person.(ph 31248)
Aitutaki Adventure Tours – They go to Honeymoon Island
snorkeling then over to One Foot Island for a great lunch at their hut, more
snorkeling and then another island. $75 pp, These guys and Kia Orana
Cruises do not operate on Saturdays but Sundays instead.(ph 31171)
Te King Cruises - They
offer a good cruise, several snorkeling spots including the clam reserve,
lunch on Maina and then off to see one Foot island and 2 others as well. $75pp.
(ph31582)
Fishing
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, Matthias will take you out
to try for the big one. Enjoy a day outside the reef trawling for
barracuda or dogtooth tuna, casting for GT's or go
a little further out for game fish such as Tuna and Wahoo, or do a little
of both! Matthias 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).
“Deep Sea Fishing” – 1 person $150, 2 people $250, 3 people $350, 4 people (max) $400. Includes
4-6hrs fishing, and fishing gear. You can bring your own gear
(casting gear) and favorite lures as well.
More on Fishing.
Matriki Sea Adventures-ph 31564
matriki@aitutaki.net.ck
Black Pearl Charters - ph 31125 - Mike and Miree are out
there most days.
Baxter’s Fishing Charters – Deep sea fishing. ph 31025
baxter@aitutaki.net.ck
Aitutaki Sea Charters - Jason is the longest standing operator on the
island. ph 31281
Click here.
Barry’s Fishing Tours - Kathy mostly does fishing inside the lagoon. ph 31492
Aitutaki blue lagoon flyfish- Butch is a master
click here.
Vaikiore Fishing Charter-
click here.
Scuba Diving
The warm, clear water of Aitutaki is a diver’s dream. There’s nothing like
seeing tropical fish and coral up close and personal!
Aitutaki Scuba has been operating for 30years on
Aitutaki. Although Neil doesn't do a lot of the diving anymore, his more
than competent assistant Dawn is loved by
everyone and knows the spots. They operate on a reducing system
depending on how many divers go -$180 for single diver, $170 for two,
$160 for three and so on for 2 tank dives. Ph 31703 or mob56103.
scuba@aitutaki.net.ck
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
bubblesbelow@aitutaki.net.ck
Island activities
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. Sonja
has 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 bicycle in about 1 hour.
Walking is also an option if you want to meet people – but remember to
bring lots of water! On site bicycle and scooter hire1
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 T 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!People
have tried drive up on scooters and also broken their necks so best not
to avoid injury!
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 apart from
Neibaa's on the other side of the island are closed
Sundays and there is no alcohol sold on Sundays.
Groceries
Maina Traders Superstore – Located in the center of town,
this is the largest shop with the widest selection. 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 Rokau (boiled taro
leaf) and Puke (a kind of banana arrowroot 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. Good range of NZ wines
etc available. There’s also an ice
cream counter with really tasty ice cream!
Neibaa's Store and Takeaway
- Probably at least as well stocked as Maina Superstore
- cheapest beer on the island - this shop is open on
Sundays and closed on Saturdays till 6pm, and situated on the East side
of the island. The convenience of a takeaway next to it makes a shopping
trip 'over there' worthwhile.
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!
Souvenirs &
Gifts
Moana Creations – They have the largest selection of
souvenirs on the island. Tons of pareus 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 behind
the ANZ bank.
Church
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.
Services at the Aruntanga Church:
Sunday 6am, 10am, 4pm
Wednesday 6am
Friday 6am
Misc.
Taxi: Pacifica Taxi #31220
Hospital: Phone# 31-002 Emergency # 31-698
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 sell
alcohol and have some groceries, a lounge, and office supplies. Internet rates are:
30 cents per minute, NZ$3
minimum. 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
Are Tamanu has WIFI and you can buy a code to access
that. 30min $6, 1hr $10 and 5hrs $40. Works from Matriki if you have
your own laptop.
The Boatshed also has internet service. Go there for
a cool beer and do your interneting at the same time. 30min $7.50, 50MB
$10, 100MB $15, 200MB $25, 500MB $50. Both
WIFI and on site computers available.
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.
Rentals
Matriki Rentals
Scooters : We have two scooters for rent. They are $25 per day and $125 per week. For any scooter rental you will need a Cook Islands driver’s
license. They’re easy to get; drive down to the Police Station located near
the PO, so that they can see that you know how to drive, and just pay NZ$2.50
We also rent out a car for $45 per day for the family group.
Make sure you are comfortable driving a scooter; we don’t want you to go
home with the “Aitutaki Tattoo”! Matthias can help get you set up.
Bikes : We have push bikes for rent for $7 per day and $40
week. This is 10yo Keegan's business.
Snorkeling gear: Mask, fins, snorkel,
$5NZ per day.
Samade on the Beach
Kayak rentals: Single kayak- 1 hr $10, 4 hrs
$15, Whole day $20
Double kayak - 1 hr $15, 4 hrs $25, Whole day $40
Phone# 31526
Rino’s Rentals, Popoara Rentals and Ranganui Retreat – all rent
cars, jeeps, scooters, and push bikes. We can organise that for you.
Link Exchange
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Matriki Beach Huts
P.O. Box 32, Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Phone/Fax (+682) 31564
Website: www.matrikibeachhuts.com
Email:
matriki@aitutaki.net.ck
Aitutaki information pages, Matriki beach
huts, Cook Islands, Aitutaki, vacation.
Webmaster:
matriki@yahoo.com
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