One unforgettable day

The Aitutaki Day Tour operates daily Mondays to Saturdays from Rarotonga, departing Rarotonga Airport at 8am and returning by 5.30pm. (Returns at 6pm - April 7th to September 29th, 2024)

Coach transfer from all major hotels and motels, as well as pickup points along the main road for guests of private holiday homes, starting at 6:30am, in Rarotonga to Rarotonga International Airport is included for an 8am departure to Aitutaki. The flight takes forty minutes on our Saab 340 pressurised airliner. Please only bring cabin-sized baggage (Maximum 7 kgs) as the flight as checked bags are not included. Sunscreen and other liquids larger than 100 ml are permitted on domestic flights.

On arrival at Aitutaki you will be taken on a one-hour island tour of the main island of Aitutaki by 'le truck'. Then it's on to the highlight of the day – The Vaka Cruise aboard the 27-metre Vaka (catamaran) Teariki Moana.

The Vaka Teariki Moana has comfortable covered seating as well as deck sun loungers, well appointed bathrooms, and a cash bar. Access is easily negotiated for those with physical challenges including those in wheelchairs.

There is time for snorkeling and swimming before stopping for a tasty barbecue lunch, cooked right on board. Anyone who has not snorkeled before will find our tour guides happy to help you experience the wonder of the lagoon's underwater world. It's not that hard and after a short lesson, most people will find snorkeling easy.

The cruise stops at several motu (small islets) including One Foot Island, before passing by Akaiami, once a stopover for huge TEAL (Tasman Empire Airways Limited) Shorts Solent flying boats en route from Fiji to Tahiti on the famous weekly Coral Route.

Included in the tour price:

Pick up and drop off from your hotel or accommodation on Rarotonga
Domestic flights from Rarotonga to Aitutaki and back to Rarotonga with 7kg cabin baggage allowance only - please note you CAN bring bottles of liquids and gels larger than 100ml (sunscreen)
Aitutaki Island Tour taking in the main island of Aitutaki
The Vaka Lagoon Cruise with stops on several islands in the lagoon
Snorkelling equipment and towels
Barbecued lunch buffet, tea, coffee, and water

What should you bring?

Sun Protection: eco-friendly / reef-safe sunscreen (tubs and bottles larger than 100ml are allowed on our domestic flights)
Light change of clothes
Camera and portable charger for your phone (it is a photographer's paradise)
Reef shoes

Don't know where you are staying on Rarotonga yet?

If you have not yet booked your accommodation on Rarotonga from where you wish to be picked up and you wish to book the day tour months in advance please either select a pickup location in the general area where you plan to stay or consider booking the day tour after you booked your accommodation.

Have your own vehicle?

If for any reason you wish to join the Aitutaki Day Tour at Rarotonga Airport please be at the check-in counter no later than 7:30am. If you are joining from an International flight arriving earlier in the morning please allow sufficient time for transit.

Staying on Aitutaki?

This tour caters to customers who wish to take a day trip from Rarotonga, returning on the same day. If you already have flights to Aitutaki you can join the Vaka Cruise departing Ootu Wharf on Aitutaki by booking the Vaka Cruise. If you want to join the cruise from Aitutaki, please click here to book the Vaka Cruise at NZ$299 per adult and NZ$149.50 per child.

Scenic Flight – Air Tour from West Branch