Remote atoll
Aitutaki is a remote South Pacific atoll north of the main island of Rarotonga.
The island has been highlighted historically and its beautiful lagoon touted as one of the best in the world. The triangular-shaped atoll rising up 4000 metres from the floor of the Pacific Ocean consists of three volcanic and 12 coral islets (motus).

It was first settled around 900 AD and main settler Ru 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 the ultimate destination of one of the great Polynesian ocean voyages by Ru, his brothers and 20 maidens.

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.

Getting to Aitutaki
Air Rarotonga is the only airlines servicing the island with 4-5 daily flights from Rarotonga (international airport) to Aitutaki and back, but no flights on Sundays.

Visas
A permit for 31 days is granted to all nationals on arrival at Rarotonga Airport where a presentation of a valid passport for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay and a ticket for return or onward travel is required. Visas can be extended for up to six months at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration in Rarotonga or Aitutaki. Departure Tax - NZ$25 or NZ$10 under 12 years, infants free.

Currency
The Cook Islands uses the New Zealand currency - 24-hr ATM cash machine can be found down town Arutanga. Westpac bank opens Mondays & Thursdays, ANZ and BCI each week day.

Credit Cards
Visa & MasterCard credit cards are accepted at most places on Aitutaki and some will exchange travellers cheques as well.

Time, international calls, power
Cook Islands time is 10 hours behind GMT (London), 20 hours behind NZ and 5 hours behind US West Coast.

International Dialing Code - 682

Electricity
240v / 50Hz (same voltage as UK and NZ) with plugs being three flat pins (same as NZ). US Visitors will require a convertor.