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| Aitutaki, also traditionally known as Araura, Ararau and Utataki, is one of the Cook Islands, north of Rarotonga. It has a population of approximately 2,000. Aitutaki is the second most visited island of the Cook Islands. The capital (main village) is Arutanga (Arutunga) on the west side.
Aitutaki is an "almost atoll". It has a maximum height of approximately 123 metres with the hill known as Maunga Pu close to its northernmost point.
The barrier reef that forms the basis of Aitutaki is roughly the shape of an equilateral triangle with sides 12 kilometres in length. The southern edge of the triangle is almost totally below the surface of the ocean, and the eastern side is composed of a string of small islands (including Mangere, Akaiami, and Tekopua).
The western side of the atoll contains many of Aitutaki's important features including a boat passage through the barrier reef allowing for anchorage close to shore at Arutanga. Towards the south of the side is a small break in the barrier reef, allowing access for small boats to the lagoon which covers most of the southern part of the triangle. Further to the north is the bulk of the main island. Its fertile volcanic soil provide tropical fuits and vegetables. Two of Aitutaki's 15 islets (motus) are also volcanic. The rest are made of coral.
An airstrip is located close to the triangle's northern point. There is an area suitable for the landing of flying boats in the south eastern part of the lagoon.
Aitutaki is famous for its turquoise central lagoon, uninhabited islands and palm-fringed beaches. Another advantage is that until now it has been spared by mass tourism. Noteworthy also are an old church (the oldest in the Cook Islands) and some gigantic Banyan Trees (ficus prolixa).
One Foot Island, a small islet in the south-east of the lagoon, is often said to be the most important attraction. It is regarded as providing the visitor with the best views of the Aitutaki lagoon and depending on the tide one is able to walk on a sandbank a decent distance away from One Foot Island. The trip to this island is the most frequented trip available on Aitutaki and is bookable in most hotels.
Air Rarotonga offers daily flights and a day tour from Rarotonga.
There are two other noteworthy islets that cannot be overlooked. Rapota and Moturakau were the locations of the 1st Series of Shipwrecked in 2000, and again with Shipwrecked: Battle of the Islands in 2006. These islets were also used as tribal camps in another reality TV series, Survivor: Cook Islands.
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