Planning a trip to Aitutaki? Learn about Aitutaki flights, transfers, and travel tips here.
A holiday in the Cook Islands wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Aitutaki. With its turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches and relaxed island vibe, it’s little wonder this is the Cook Islands’ second most popular destination.
This peaceful paradise is only accessible from Rarotonga via air, with multiple flights departing the Rarotonga International Airport daily.
Flying from Rarotonga to Aitutaki takes about 50 minutes and is well worth the trip. Whether you plan a day trip to the island as part of your Rarotonga adventure or stay a little longer, Aitutaki promises an experience you’ll never forget.
Check out some of our current Cook Islands package deals here.
How to get to Aitutaki
Air Rarotonga is the only carrier for inter-island flights. As you’d expect, the aircraft are smaller so it’s best to book your flights early, especially during peak season.
The Spacifica Travel team makes adding Aitutaki to your itinerary easy by bundling flights into your Cook Islands holiday package for convenience and to avoid missing out. Better still, packages offer better value for money.
Flights from Rarotonga to Aitutaki fluctuate in price based on availability, season and flight schedules, but average about AUD $560 return per person.
Anyone who has been lucky enough to visit Aitutaki will tell you it’s money well spent.
Learn more about flights to the Cook Islands here.
Welcome to paradise
As your plane makes its descent towards Aitutaki Airport, you’ll glimpse your first views of what makes this island so unique – the brilliant turquoise waters of Aitutaki Lagoon. Being aboard a smaller Air Rarotonga aircraft means two-thirds of all the seats are window seats, and the infectious friendly Cook Island vibe means everyone is happy to share the view.
The airport may be small but has everything you need – taxis or pre-arranged transfers are available, and a small café is open for most flights, selling drinks and snacks. If you’ve booked to stay a while in Aitutaki, most resorts offer transfer services – the Spacifica Travel team can help you plan accordingly. The Pacific Resort and Aitutaki Lagoon Resort operate private reception facilities at the airport for their guests.
View all Aitutaki accommodation options here.
Best time to visit Aitutaki
Aim to travel to Aitutaki during the shoulder season (April/May and September/October) or off-season (November to April) when the flights are cheaper, weather is warm and there’s only occasional rain.
June to October is peak season for the Cook Islands, when the weather is ideal and demand for flights higher. You’re most likely to score a cheaper flight during the low season, which coincides with our Australian summer months (January – March).
Learn more about Cook Islands' weather and the best time to visit here.
Day trip to Aitutaki or longer?
The way you experience Aitutaki is entirely up to you. Air Rarotonga offers an Aitutaki Day Tour from Rarotonga, which includes transfers, airfares, a lagoon cruise, snorkelling and lunch, for about $730 per person. This is the easiest and most affordable way to experience Aitutaki, particularly if you’re short on time or just want the convenience of not having to carry luggage, knowing you can return to Rarotonga and head back to your hotel.
During the Day Tour you’ll take a 45-minute tour of the island, enjoying views of inland plantations and the main villages. The highlight of the tour is the world-renowned Vaka Cruise – six hours cruising the blue lagoon aboard the Polynesian styled vaka Titi-ai-Tonga. You’ll visit three islets – Moturakau, Akaiami and One Foot Island – which fringe the lagoon, and have time to snorkel at each (snorkelling gear and towels are provided). Enjoy lunch on board with a menu sourced from local farmers.
If a day on Aitutaki isn’t enough, there are many accommodation options if you want to stay a longer. It’s so easy to explore Aitutaki and experience everything the island has to offer – lagoon cruises, island hopping, fishing, diving, guided mountain hikes, cycling tours, buggies, quadbikes and 4WD trips inland – you can tailor your visit to be as action packed or relaxed as you like.
Aitutaki Accommodation options
The main island offers a variety of places to stay for all budgets. Family-friendly accommodation options are available, along with boutique properties and bungalows.
The award-winning Pacific Resort Aitutaki offers 29 luxuriously appointed bungalows and villas, each with uninterrupted views across the lagoon from a private sundeck. Spend your days being pampered at Tiare Spa and exploring the lagoon by kayak and stand-up paddleboard.
For the ultimate island escape, Aitutaki Lagoon Resort is a private adults-only resort with the only overwater bungalows in the Cook Islands. Set on the Aitutaki Lagoon, you can enjoy the best views right from your bungalow. The resort is the only private island resort in the Cook Islands, just a two-minute ferry ride from the main island.
Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas on the western side of Aitutaki offers fully self-contained Polynesian villas with direct beach access. Each of the eight villas is unique and designed to take full advantage of the natural surrounds.
Why book with Spacifica Travel
The Spacifica Travel team can plan your Cook Islands escape from start to finish, including flights from Australia to Rarotonga and flights from Rarotonga to Aitutaki. With all transfers, accommodation, tours and activities organised for you, your holiday can start from the moment you leave home.