Aitutaki, COOK ISLANDS
Airing Date: Mar 22nd, 2004
Picture this: deserted white beaches, a turquoise lagoon, coconut palms swaying in the breeze, and the sun warming your body like a soothing bath. If you're sick of the stresses of everyday life and longing to escape to an island paradise, look no further than Aitutaki. Aitutaki isn't just the jewel of the Cook Islands, it's the jewel of the South Pacific.
Head to Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa for a truly relaxing experience. Linked to the main island of Aitutaki by footbridge, it offers 37 Polynesian bungalows, each with spacious interiors, thatched roofs and tropical style furniture.
Looking for a little extra luxury? Try one of the resort's over-water bungalows with superb lagoon views. From your private verandah you can step down the stairs and straight into the water amongst schools of tropical fish.
Whatever you do around Aitutaki, you're never far from those fish. If you're a diver, join Aitutaki Scuba for a diving trip. Your guide Neil knows exactly where to take the plunge. For $85 you get all the gear as well as a good look at underwater caves, drop-offs and sunken barges, as well as an abundance of marine life.
If you're an angler, hook up with Jubilee for a bit of bone fishing. You'll travel by boat into the lagoon to a circle of tiny islands called motus. This tranquil spot is the perfect place to fish for bone fish. Although the fishing is strictly catch and release, bone fishing has become an extremely popular activity. A whole day of bone fishing will cost you $178.
By nightfall the resort cranks up the pace with locals providing the entertainment. The Cook Islanders are renowned for their dancing, and guests are encouraged to join in. Just don't use all your energy jigging with the locals, because there's crab hunting to finish at night.
The facts:
A five night package with Air New Zealand Holidays to the Cook Islands starts at $1919 per person. Air New Zealand will fly you to the capital, Rarotonga, where you'll spend one night. Air Rarotonga will fly you to Aitutaki for four nights in a garden bungalow at the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa, with transfers and breakfast daily. If you love the look of those over-water bungalows you can upgrade to one for an extra $595.
Air New Zealand Holidays
Tel: 1300 365 525
Aitutaki Scuba
Tel: 0011 682 31703
Jubilee's Bone Fishing
Tel: 0011 682 31292
Cook Islands Tourism
Prices correct at 22/03/04 and valid for travel between 20 May, 2004 and 31 October, 2004.
