TRAVEL WITH CHRIS BROWN
HONEYMOON ISLAND - AITUTAKI
This Valentines day Chris heads to the worlds most romantic island - Aitutaki in the Cook
Islands. The catch is, he's going solo. Can he have a good time despite being surrounded by
couples and romance, or will the "table for one" prove all too much?
FAST FACTS COOK ISLANDS & AITUTAKI
THE COOK ISLANDS:
 The Cook Islands consist of 15 islands and is spread out over 2 million square
kilometres. The largest Island is also the capital Rarotonga.
 The Polynesian’s originally arrived by canoes-vakas (which are still part of the
traditional way of life in the Islands today) from SE Asia.


The currency used in the Cook Islands is the NZD.
Over 100,000 people visit the Cook Island yearly.
AITUTAKI ISLAND:
 Aitutaki is situated 225km from Rarotonga and is a 45 minute flight, flying Air
Rarotonga.
 Aitutaki is the second most visited Island of the Cook Islands after Rarotonga.
 The locals are know as Aitutakians.
 Aitutaki Island has an estimated population of 2,300.
 The island is triangular-shape and raises 4000 metres from the Pacific Ocean floor.
 Aitutaki consists of 12 coral islets and three volcanic islets.
 The Atitutaki lagoon is one of the most famous lagoons in the world
with one of the most bio diverse reef systems.
 The Island is famously known as a honeymoon destination.
 The name Aitutaki is derived from the words God (aitu) and led (taki).
 The Island hosted both Shipwrecked and Survivor TV series.
 Rarotonga and Aitutaki have been voted in the top 10 of Trip Advisors 2014
Travellers Choice Awards of Island in the World.
*Source:
http://aitutaki.com/aitutaki/
http://www.aitutaki-accommodations.com/Quick_Facts_Aitutaki.html
http://www.cookislands.travel/rarotonga
AITUTAKI LAGOON & CLAMS
Aitutkai Lagoon is one of the largest and
most famous lagoons in the world. The
lagoon covers an area between 19-21
kilometres and an average depth of of 45 metres, and consists of one main
Island and many smaller islets. With
several hundred fish species, the Islands
famous clams and sea turtles the lagoon
has one of the most diverse bio reef
systems in the world. An island delicacy,
the giant clams are a traditional dish similar to that of the Christmas ham. Over harvesting
in 1980’s and 90’s nearly bought the clam to extinction so the Cook Islands Ministry of
Marine Resources began a restoration project to help re-generate the dying species. The
clam’s provide a vital function in the lagoons eco system as their filtering feeding system
keeps the water clear and controls toxic algal booms. The clams can live up to 100 years
weigh more than 200kg and grow up to 3 metres in length. Local operators offer diving and
lagoon tours.
OUTRIGGING - VAKA
The Cook Islanders have long been
known as the finest seafarers of all,
voyaging across the pacific waters on
board their traditional vaka’s. The
modern day vaka used today, commonly
known as the outrigger has developed
into a worldwide sport. Aitutaki is
home to an annual outrigger race
competition called ‘Motu2Motu’. Chris
joined members from the Toa Moana
Aitutaki Oe Vaka Clu, set up for locals with a focus on fun and fitness.
http://www.motu2motu.com/
SUP YOGA
SUP Yoga was created by founder
Charlotte Piho. An accredited yoga
teacher and paddle instructor Charlotte
came up with the idea to combine the
two during a break in her beloved Cook
Islands. Workout on Water offers you
the unique experience of learning the
technics of stand up paddle boarding
and yoga. Walk on water offers lessons
and retreats both in the Cook Islands and Australia.
http://www.workoutonwater.com
ONEFOOT ISLAND
Located in Aitutakis’s Lagoon, One foot
island is home to one of the worlds most
remote post offices. There are a couple
of theories as to how the Island became
knows as One Foot Island, one of those
an Island fable and another is that from
the air the island is shaped like a foot.
Only 7 kms away from Aitutaki main land
there are various operators offering
Island tours. The Island takes only 15
mins to walk around. The post office officers will stamp your passport with the One Foot
Island logo and is opened and organised by tour operators from the Aitutaki main island.
PACIFIC RESORT AITUTAKI
The world renowned Pacific Resort
Aitutaki is surrounded by the beautiful
clear turquoise waters of the Aitutaki
lagoon. The resort offers 27 luxury
rooms; a choice of air-conditioned
beachfront bungalows, villas and suites
with each room situated on a beautiful
beachfront location with its own
private sundeck. The stunning
beauty of Pacific Resort Aitutaki’s
surrounds makes it a natural choice for those in search of romance in South Seas Polynesia.
Hold your wedding or vow renewal ceremony standing amidst rose petals scattered on the
sand overlooking the lagoon, and enjoy dinner at sunset in a private Bedouin style tent on
the beach, surrounded by flaming torches. Recognised for its high standards and service,
Pacific Resort Aitutaki has received numerous awards including World’s Leading Boutique
Island Resort’’ at the World Travel Awards and the World’s Best Beach Boutique Hotel’ at
the World Boutique Hotel Awards. AIR RAROTONGA
How to get there – the world’s most
romantic island is just under 7 hours
from Australia. Air New Zealand flies
direct from Sydney to Rarotonga, the
capital of the Cook Islands, every
Saturday, which takes six hours, or fly
daily via Auckland with Air New
Zealand or Virgin Australia. From
Rarotonga there are frequent daily
connections to Aitutaki, a 45 minute flight with Air Rarotonga.
WEBLINKS
For further information on Aitutaki and the activities take a look at any of the following
websites:
http://www.workoutonwater.com
http://www.motu2motu.com/
www.pacificresort.com
http://www.airraro.com/en
www.sale.cookislands.travel
www.BishopsCruises.com