The Best Things to Do on Aitutaki for Foodies
Travelling is a treat for all of the senses. So, if you’re a bit of a foodie, be sure to give your tastebuds a gastrogasm on Aitutaki. We’ve compiled some of the best foodie experiences on Aitutaki, from exciting island nights to private picnic platters on uninhabited islands.
Before we get started, be sure to also look at The Food Guide to Aitutaki: Places to Eat & Food Tours, which is everything a foodie on Aitutaki needs to know.
1. Try Local Food and Watch Polynesian Dancing at the Tamanu Island Night
Combine two cultural experiences into one at the Tamanu Island Night. Energetic drumming, captivating dancing and swishing traditional attire are only part of the experience – the finale, in fact. As you relax to the island tunes of a local string band, you’ll indulge in a generous buffet including traditional local foods, as well as some international favourites. Curried fruit salad, poke and rukau are just some recommendations, which you can find out more about in the 10 Foods to Try in the Cook Islands.
Location: Tamanu Beach Resort, northwestern coast of the main island.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com2. Enjoy Your Resort’s Private Dining Experience on the Beach
A foodie experience essential for couples, imagine it’s just you and your loved one indulging in a lovingly prepared meal under the stars with your toes in the sand. Choose a candlelit dinner in a private pavilion on the edge of the Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort or dine under the stars on a secluded private deck at Aitutaki Escape. A barefoot beach dinner can also be organised at Etu Moana with floral decorations and a mouthwatering meal served at sunset.
Location: Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort – Akitua island, a ferry is available from Ootu Beach. Aitutaki Escape – West coast just south of the old airport runway. Etu Moana – West coast, a few hundred metres south of Aitutaki Escape.
© Craig Owen - Cook Islands Tourism3. Feast Upon an Island-Style Barbecue on an Uninhabited “Motu”
A staple of any lagoon cruise on the Aitutaki Lagoon, the lunch portion is a definite highlight for foodies! You won’t believe how good barbecued fruit tastes, while plenty of meat and vegetarian options are thrown into the mix. Most lagoon cruises enjoy their barbecue meal on one of the uninhabited motu (islands) of the lagoon, while The Vaka Cruise guests have their lunch on the boat. Compare cruises in the 10 Best Lagoon Cruises on Aitutaki.
Location: Most tours depart from Ootu Beach, but accommodation transfers are usually included.
© A Punarei - Cook Islands Tourism4. Hit the Scenic Picnic Spots Around Aitutaki
Need a reason to do a tiki tour around Aitutaki’s main island? There are many scenic picnic spots, as well as local takeaways to grab a picnic for the event. Check out The Top Cheap Eats in Aitutaki or the 10 Best Cafes in Aitutaki for takeaway recommendations. A scenic picnic spot to try is Vaipae Wharf with views across the lagoon, as well as the Arataki Lookout overlooking Arutanga or the Piraki Lookout at the centre of the island. Check out more in the Top 10 Sights in Aitutaki.
Location: Vaipae Wharf – Waterfront of Vaipae village on the eastern side of Aitutaki. Arataki Lookout – Arutanga, take the left at the intersection past the Seventh Day Adventist Church and the lookout is a short way up the hill. Piraki Lookout – Well signposted from both the east and west side of Aitutaki. From the west side, turn inland between the Heineken Store and the Aquila Petrol Station then turn left at the crossroads.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com5. Catch Your Own Dinner on a Fishing Charter
Experience the rewarding feeling of catching your own dinner on one of Aitutaki’s fishing charters. Reeling in the big ones, such as tuna and mahimahi, is a popular choice outside of the lagoon by one of the local FADs. Anglers can almost always keep the fish they catch when bluewater fishing. Spearfishing and lagoon fishing is also an option, although some species can’t be kept. In addition, bonefishing is typically “catch and release”. If you want to keep your catch, especially for fishing within the lagoon, let your chosen fishing charter/guide know your intentions first to see if they can accommodate you.
Location: All over Aitutaki. Compare charters in The Best Fishing Charters in Aitutaki.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com6. Indulge in a Beach Picnic Platter with Kutekute
Offering something a little different for foodies on the Aitutaki Lagoon, Kutekute Tours and Transfers prepare a gorgeous platter for their guests to enjoy on an uninhabited island at sunset. Platters vary with the seasons and what produce is available, but mainly consist of freshly barbecued skewers and fish, a selection of dips and cheese, fresh tropical fruit and more. You’re welcome to bring alcohol on the trip or let the crew know what you want they will try to provide.
Location: Kutekute Tours and Transfers depart from Ootu Beach. Learn more about their cruise in the 10 Best Lagoon Cruises on Aitutaki.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com7. Host Your Own Epic Barbecue
Self-catering is definitely a viable option on Aitutaki and an enjoyable experience to share in a stunning place with your partner, friends or loved ones. Make sure you have high-quality ingredients and everything you need for your own island barbecue by purchasing a barbecue pack from the Koru Cafe! Choose from a selection of seafood, chicken and steaks complemented with a selection of salads, bread and even a naughty cake or dessert. Delivery is available for a fee. Check out the accommodations with a barbecue in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations on Aitutaki.
Location: Koru Cafe, Ootu Beach.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com8. Experience Aitutaki’s Eateries
Of course, Aitutaki has many dining options to try throughout your time on the island. Enjoy fine dining at the adults-only Rapae Bay Restaurant of the Pacific Resort Aitutaki, try contemporary international meals with a local spin at the Avatea Cafe, and a selection of well-presented meals using local sustainable ingredients at the Koru Cafe. See a full list of recommendations in The Best Places to Eat in Aitutaki: 10 Best Restaurants in Aitutaki.
Location: Pacific Resort Aitutaki – Main road on the west coast, just north of Amuri. Avatea Cafe – On the inland road of Tautu village, near Gina’s Garden Lodges. Koru Cafe – Ootu Beach.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comMore Foodie Experiences on Aitutaki
That’s it for our list of the best foodie experiences on Aitutaki. For more mouthwatering activities, browse more of our food-related guides:
- 10 Best Cafes in Aitutaki
- The Top Cheap Eats on Aitutaki
- 10 Best Foodie Experiences in the Cook Islands
Finally, don’t miss any essential eatery or food tour with The Food Guide to the Cook Islands: Places to Eat, Food Tours & Best Resort for Food.
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