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THIS magnificent and remote island is the
stuff of which dreams are made. It is a triangular-shaped 'almost'-atoll rising up 4000
metres from the floor of the Pacific Ocean. It consists of three volcanic and 12 coral
islets (motus)
It was probably first settled around 900 AD and one of its great
legendary Polynesian discoverers was Ru who named it Utataki Enua O Ru Ki Te Moana.
Roughly translated, this means The Leading of a Cargo of People by Ru Over the Ocean. It
can be inferred that Aitutaki was, therefore, the ultimate destination of one of the great
Polynesian ocean voyages.
The first recorded discovery by Europeans was Captain
Bligh on the "Bounty". He arrived on April 11 1789 and shortly afterwards
the famous mutiny occurred. Bligh returned later on July 25 1792. He is credited with
introducing the paw paw fruit to Aitutaki and this is now an important export product from
the Cook Islands.
The first
missionary to the Cooks, John Williams, landed on Aitutaki before any of the other Cooks
and there is a large, airy coral block church in Arutanga, the main township, which bears
testament to his success in converting the people to Christianity.
Life on Aitutaki moves at a wonderfully relaxed tempo which is why it is such a popular
destination for visitors who fly in from Rarotonga for day trips as well extended stays.
The lagoon can
be approached in leisurely fashion in traditional outrigger canoes for quiet paddling just
off the beach or in more sophisticated launches favored by foreign anglers who know its
reputation for saltwater flyfishing for the fighting bonefish.
The motus which are mainly at the outer perimeter of the lagoon
are wonderful landing places for the day cruises available for visitors. The favorite
islets are Akaiami and One Foot Island.
Air Rarotonga flies regularly to Aitutaki.
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