Aitutaki
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
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[edit] Geography
Aitutaki is an "almost atoll", located at . It has a maximum elevation 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.
[edit] History
Polynesians probably first settled Aitutaki around AD 900. The first known European contact was with Captain Bligh and the crew of the "HMS Bounty" when they discovered Aitutaki on April 11, 1789, prior to the infamous mutiny.
Aitutaki was the first of the Cook Islands to accept Christianity, after London Missionary Society (LMS) missionary John Williams visited in 1821. Today you can find the oldest church in the country, the Cook Islands Christian Church in Arutanga, which was built by Papeiha (Borabora) and Vahapata (Raiatea), two LMS teachers Williams had left behind.
In 1942 New Zealand and American forces were stationed on the island, building the two-way airstrip that can be seen today. This airport, and one on the northernmost island of Penrhyn, were to be used as bases by the Allies during the Second World War against the Japanese. The first aircraft, an American light bomber, landed on November 22, 1942. When the war ended some of the servicemen remained and married the locals.
During the 1950s Aitutaki's lagoon was used as a stopover for TEAL (Tasman Empire Airways Limited) flying boats on the famous Coral Route. The islet of Akaiami was used as a resting stop for passengers, who often lay about until the aircraft was refuelled for two hours. These operations ceased in 1960, and the only reminder are the remains of the purpose-built jetty on Akaiami. The flying boat 'Aranui', which was part of this service, is now on display at the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT- New Zealand (Auckland)).
Two of Aitutaki's islets (small islands), Rapota and Moturakau, were the locations of the first series of the UK reality television program Shipwrecked in 2000.
More recently, in 2001, Steve Fossett passed over just south of Aitutaki in the balloon Solo Spirit during his round-the-world trip.
In 2006, the island was used as the location for the tribal council in Survivor: Cook Islands. Surrounding islands were used for tribal camps and crew locations. One of the tribes was named Aitutaki (or 'Aitu') after the island.
Then, not long afterwards, Shipwrecked returned again, with Shipwrecked: Battle of the Islands. This was filmed on the same islands as before.
[edit] Places of interest
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.
[edit] Economy
Tourism is the mainstay of Aitutaki though visitor numbers are still relatively low as there are no direct international flights. Tourists are catered for by a range of motels and resorts ranging from budget to luxury.
A number of new resorts and hotels are currently being planned and built.
[edit] Sports
The most popular sport on Aitutaki is rugby which is very popular on the island as it is in much of the Pacific. There are 4 clubs on Aitutaki and 8 teams (each club having a first team and a reserve team). For a population of only 2000, 8 teams is really a lot. The best players on the island play for the Aitutaki island team against their main rivals Rarotonga.
[edit] Postage stamps
[edit] Minor islands of Aitutaki
The main island of Aitutaki occupies the northern part of the atoll, which is roughly triangular in shape. The islands listed below form part of the perimeter of the atoll's lagoon. Clockwise from the northern point of the lagoon, these are:
- Akitua
- Angarei
- Ee
- Mangere
- Papau
- Tavaeruaiti
- Tavaerua
- Akaiami
- Muritapua
- Tekopua
- Tapuaetai
- Motukitiu
- Moturakau
- Rapota
- Maina
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Aitutaki
- Cook Islands website - Aitutaki
- Aitutaki: Photo Gallery
- Photographs of Aitutaki
- Photo gallery: Rarotonga and Aitutaki
- Aitutaki is at coordinates Coordinates:
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