Aitutaki

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Aerial view of Aitutaki

Aitutaki, traditionally known as Araura, is one of the Cook Islands, north of Rarotonga. It has a population of approximately 2,000. Aitutaki is the second most visited island of the Cook Islands. The capital (main village) is Arutanga (Arutunga) on the west side.

1 Geography
2 History
3 Places of interest
4 Economy
5 Postage stamps
6 See Also
7 External links

[edit] Geography

One Foot Island in the southern part of Aitutaki Atoll

Aitutaki is an atoll, located at 18°50′S 159°45′W. It has a maximum height of approximately 123 metres with the hill known as Maunga Pu close to its northernmost point.

The reef that forms the basis of Aitutaki is roughly the shape of an equilateral triangle with sides 12 kilometres in length. The southern edge of the triangle is almost totally below the surface of the ocean, and the eastern side is composed of a string of small islands (including Mangere, Akaiami, and Tekopua).

The western side of the atoll contains many of Aitutaki's most important features. towards the south of the side is a break in the atoll, allowing access for boats to the lagoon which covers most of the southern part of the triangle. Further to the north is the bulk of the main island, with a further break in the atoll allowing for anchorage close to shore at Arutanga.

An airstrip is located close to the triangle's northern point, and there is an area suitable for the landing of flying boats in the southern part of the lagoon.

[edit] History

Polynesians probably first settled Aitutaki around AD 900. The first known European contact was with Captain Bligh and the crew of the "HMS Bounty" on April 11, 1789. Aitutaki was discovered by Europeans on 11 April 1789, when Captain William Bligh arrived on H.M.S. Bounty, before the mutiny.

Aitutaki was the first of the Cook Islands to accept Christianity, after LMS (London Missionary Society) missionary John Williams visited in 1821. Today you can find the oldest church in the country, the CICC (Cook Islands Christian Church) in Arutanga, which was was built by missionaries Williams had left behind.

In 1942 New Zealand and American forces were stationed on the island, building the two-way airstrip that can be seen today. This airport, and one on the northenmost island of Penrhyn, were to be used as bases by the Allies during the Second World War against the Japanese. The first aircraft, an American light bomber, landed on November 22, 1942. When the war ended some of the servicemen remained and married the locals.

During the 1950's Aitutaki's lagoon was used as a stopover for TEAL (Tasman Empire Airways Limited) flying boats on the famous Coral Route. The islet of Akaiami was used as a resting stop for passengers, who often lay about until the aircraft was refuelled for two hours. These operations ceased in 1960, and the only reminder are the remains of the purpose-built jetty on Akaiami. The flying boat 'Aranui', which was part of this service, is now on display at the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).

More recently, in 2001, Steve Fossett passed over just south of Aitutaki in the ballon Solo Spirit during his round-the-world trip.

[edit] Places of interest

The beach on Aitutaki

Aitutaki is famous for its turquoise central lagoon, uninhabited islands and palm-fringed beaches. Another advantage is that until now it has been spared by mass tourism. Noteworthy are also an old church and some gigantic Banyan Trees (ficus prolixa).

One Foot Island, a small islet in the south-east of the lagoon, is often said to be the most important attraction. It is regarded as providing the visitor with the best views of the Aitutaki lagoon and depending on the tide one is able to walk on a sandbank a decent distance away from One Foot Island. The trip to this island is the most frequented trip available on Aitutaki and is bookable in most hotels.

Air Rarotonga offers daily flights and a day tour from Rarotonga.

[edit] Economy

Tourism is the mainstay of Aitutaki though visitor numbers are still relatively low as there are no direct international flights. Tourists are catered for by a range of motels and resorts ranging from budget to luxury.