15 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Aitutaki© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com
15 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Aitutaki

15 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Aitutaki

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

What to Do for Free (or Cheap) on Aitutaki

Aitutaki might evoke images of luxury lagoon holidays but there’s a lot more to experience in this island paradise that won’t cost you a dime (or are at least very cheap). From island tiki tours to discovering amazing snorkelling spots, lookouts and historical sites, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Check out our top picks in this list of the best free and cheap things to do on Aitutaki.

Before you get scrolling, don’t miss The Complete Travel Guide to Aitutaki on a Budget and 8 Best Budget Accommodations on Aitutaki with more money-saving tips.

1. Get Incredible Views from Maunga Pu – FREE

Get your bearings by heading to the island’s highest point and checking out those epic views. Maunga Pu is the peak of Aitutaki at a height of 124m (407ft) and can be walked up in 20-30 minutes from the sign at the base. Alternatively, you can drive part-way up the narrow tar-sealed road and park at the grassy crossroads. Either way, head up to the left to reach Maunga Pu’s summit with a cellphone tower at the top and a whole lot of gorgeous island and lagoon vistas. There is no shelter on this walk, so it’s recommended to do it either in the morning or evening to avoid the beating sun.

Location: West coast of Aitutaki between Paradise Cove and Tai Marino. Park on the abandoned lot opposite the Maunga Pu sign.

15 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Aitutaki© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

2. See the Giant Clams at the Marine Research Centre – CHEAP

On the road toward the golf course, the imposing sign for the Marine Research Centre is easily spotted. See a giant clam and native clam nursery and learn about the conservation work done here from the site manager, Richard (usually available from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday). There is a fun clamshell donation box to pay your dues.

Location: Follow the road to the northern tip of Aitutaki, around the lefthand side of the old airstrip and toward the golf course. The Marine Research Centre is signposted on the left hand side before reaching the golf course.

15 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Aitutaki© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

3. SUP or Kayak on the Lagoon – FREE

Stand-up paddleboards (SUP), paddles and kayaks are a staple of any beachfront accommodation on Aitutaki, so if this is your accommodation, then you have hours of free fun at your disposal. With flat lagoon waters to enjoy, having a paddle is easy – just be careful of the coral. If you have a choice, paddling from Ootu Beach or Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort is rewarding with nearby motu (islands) and a sandbank to explore.

Location: Just about any beachfront accommodation on Aitutaki. Ootu Beach is located at the southern end of the new airport runway.

15 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Aitutaki© Charlotte Piho - Cook Islands Tourism

4. Snorkel or Go for a Swim – FREE

In the same vein as the point above, most beachfront accommodations offer complimentary snorkels, masks and fins for guests. Otherwise, it’s definitely a good idea to bring your own to hit snorkelling spots like Base One at the western end of the old airport runway, as well as Ootu Beach and the stretch of beach between the Pacific Resort Aitutaki and Tamanu Beach Resort.

Location: Just about any beachfront accommodation on Aitutaki. Base One is at the western end of the old airport runway. Ootu Beach is at the southern end of the new airport runway. Pacific Resort Aitutaki and Tamanu Beach Resort line the northwest beaches of the island.

15 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Aitutaki© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

5. Enjoy the Singing of a Church Service – FREE

The powerful harmonies echoing across the churches on a Sunday is an experience not to be missed. Don your most church-appropriate attire (cover knees and shoulders) and head to one of the churches across the island, typically with a 10am service. The CICC Church in Arutanga is highly recommended, which is one of the oldest churches in the Cook Islands. For more recommendations, check out the 10 Best Churches in the Cook Islands to Experience as a Visitor.

Location: CICC Church is at the southern end of Arutanga. Use the visitor’s entrance along the length of the church (on the roadside). Visitors sit on the pews just as you enter the church from this entrance.

15 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Aitutaki© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

6. Cycle Across the Island – FREE/CHEAP

This activity is either free or cheap depending on if you happen to stay at an accommodation with cycle hire included (Matriki Beach Huts and Tamanu Beach Resort are just a couple). If not, cycles are available to hire at Rino’s Rentals. Roads are quiet, making for a quiet cycle. Check out cycling distances in The Cycling Times & Distances in the Cook Islands.

Location: See the 10 Accommodations in the Cook Islands with Bike Hire. Rino’s Rentals is located in Amuri.

15 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Aitutaki© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

7. Check Out the Piraki Lookout – FREE

Somewhere fun to drive, scooter or cycle is the Piraki Lookout. This inland lookout requires no hiking and features views out to Aitutaki’s motu (islands) between the bushes. The area alongside some water tanks is well looked after and has a picnic table, which leads us onto our next point…

Location: 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.

15 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Aitutaki© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

8. Grab a Takeaway and Hit the Scenic Picnic Spots – CHEAP

Speaking of picnic spots, there are many across the main island of Aitutaki, as well as affordable takeaways to grab a picnic. Check out The Top Cheap Eats in Aitutaki for takeaway recommendations. A scenic picnic spot to try is Vaipae Wharf with views across the lagoon, as well as many others we mention in this list of free things to do in Aitutaki!

Location: Waterfront of Vaipae village on the eastern side of Aitutaki.

15 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Aitutaki© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

9. Do a Tiki Tour Around the Island by Car or Scooter – CHEAP

Exploring the main island of Aitutaki is a good way to spend the day, especially as car and scooter hire will only cost you around NZ$20-$50 per day. Whatever mode of transport you prefer, there’s much joy to be had exploring the scenic roads of Aitutaki from the palm-fringed east side roads to the bush tracks in the south. You can hit many places mentioned on this list.

Location: Check out The Best Car Rentals in Aitutaki and Scooter Hire in Aitutaki: Where to Rent, Cost & More.

15 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Aitutaki© Craig Owen - Cook Islands Tourism

10. Browse T&S Artworx or Stonefish – FREE/CHEAP

Browsing the local gift shops and craft shops will only cost as much as you’re tempted to buy but they’re fun to browse nonetheless. A couple worth checking out includes the black pearl and recycled glass jewellery and handmade ukuleles of T&S Artworx and the locally printed T-shirts and apparel at the container shop of Stonefish. Any temporary gift stalls, usually signposted outside of locals’ houses, are just a bonus.

Location: T&S Artworx – The next inland road after Neibaa’s Store when heading south. Stonefish – East coast road, just after the Piraki Lookout road when heading north.

15 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Aitutaki© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

11. Drive Through the Giant Banyan Trees – FREE

This won’t take you too long but is totally worth doing when taking your tiki tour around the island. The banyan tree arches across the road and makes for a fun photo opportunity.

Location: On the main road between Vaipae and Tautu villages.

15 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Aitutaki© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

12. Check Out the Views from the Arataki Lookout – FREE

Another excellent picnic/photo spot is the Arataki Lookout. There are a couple of sheltered picnic benches to sit down and enjoy the view of Arutanga and the wharf.

Location: Arutanga. Take the left at the intersection past the Seventh Day Adventist Church and the lookout is a short way up the hill.

15 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Aitutaki© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

13. Welcome Yourself at Visitor’s Rock – FREE

Aitutaki’s main wharf, Arutanga Harbour, is home to a lesser-known historical site, Visitor’s Rock. It’s an age-old tradition for visitors to be welcomed to the island by standing on this rock when you arrive on the island. It’s not signposted nor is anyone standing there to welcome you (unless you’re coming off a cruise ship), so you’re just going to have to do it yourself.

Location: Arutanga Harbour. The black flat rock is under some waterfront palm trees just to the left of the concrete wharf and before the fishing boats.

15 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Aitutaki© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

14. Scout Out the Historical Sites – FREE

You don’t have to pay to enjoy the historical sites of Aitutaki. An easy one to find is the site of the original Tautu village settlement, featuring an information panel should you want to learn more about the history. There is also a marae site at the Pacific Resort Aitutaki, Te Poaki Historic Site in Vaipae and the anchor at Nikaupara town hall.

Location: Check out locations in the 10 Best Historical Sites in the Cook Islands.

15 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Aitutaki© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

15. Find Hollywood – FREE

Yes, Aitutaki is the real Hollywood! Well, the locals of the village of Vaipae seem to think so, erecting their own Hollywood sign in the village and naming the local convenience store after the famous movie-making town. For some movies that have actually been filmed in Aitutaki, check out the 10 TV Shows/Movies Filmed in the Cook Islands.

Location: Vaipae village on the east side of the island. Look out for the sign nestled in the palm trees on the roadside.

15 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Aitutaki© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

More About Budget and Free Things to Do on Aitutaki

That’s it for our list of free and cheap things to do in Aitutaki, but there are a lot more freebies to be found in our other guides:

Finally, don’t forget to The Complete Backpacking Guide to the Cook Islands on a Budget and Cook Islands Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to the Cook Islands Cost? to plan more of your trip.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as the Cook Islands. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Raro’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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