Indoor and All-Weather Activities on Aitutaki
Welcome to Aitutaki; it rains here sometimes. Being in a tropical climate, rain comes and goes and is part of life on an isolated island in the South Pacific. Don’t let it put a damper on your holiday, however, as this list of things to do on Aitutaki on a rainy day shows you that you can still have fun even while the heavens open.
What? It rains on Aitutaki? Yes, and there’s nothing that anyone can do about it but at least be prepared with the right clothing and be aware of the weather and climate in the Cook Islands. And, of course, make the most of the rain with these all-waether activities…
1. Indulge in a Spa Treatment
Stay out of the rain and take the relaxation that Aitutaki effortlessly evokes to a whole new level with a massage at one of the island’s spas. Aitutaki is home to several resort spas, with a top contender being Tiare Spa at the Pacific Resort Aitutaki with hot stone massages and Balinese massages among several indulgent options for singles and couples. At Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort‘s SpaPolynesia, a must-try is their traditional Cook Islands massage known as the “roromi”. Alternatively, guests at Etu Moana or Tai Roto Bay can enjoy in-villa head-to-toe massages.
Location: Discover which spa is right for you and find their locations in the 5 Best Spas in Aitutaki.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com2. Treat Your Tastebuds at Aitutaki’s Restaurants
Although not the most inspired idea for things to do on Aitutaki on a rainy day, dining at the restaurants of Aitutaki is still a great way to stay dry. 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.com3. Attend a Church Service (Sundays Only)
Pray for the rain to pass at one of Aitutaki’s enchanting church services. Whatever the weather, 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 the oldest church 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.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com4. Check Out T&S Artworx
One of the very few indoor activities on Aitutaki, T&S Artworx is a unique gift shop where the husband and wife team (Turua and Steph) make handcrafted and custom-made gifts. Steph makes gorgeous black pearl jewellery and earrings made from recycled glass right here in her workshop and gift shop, while Turua crafts custom-made ukuleles.
Location: The next inland road after Neibaa’s Store when heading south.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com5. Go for a Rainy Day Snorkel
No one is above a rainy day snorkel! Since you’re going to get wet anyway, why not head out with your snorkelling gear and meet the fish? 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. Check out more recommendations in The Best Snorkelling in Aitutaki: Top 10 Places to Snorkel.
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.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com6. Hop on a Lagoon Cruise
We know, you’re probably looking at this list of things to do on Aitutaki on a rainy day because you don’t want to do a lagoon cruise under the rain, but don’t give up on the idea just yet! Most lagoon cruises are on vessels that are weather-proofed with a roof and tarps that roll down the sides. Knowing the weather patterns on the Aitutaki Lagoon, the sun will come out at some point throughout the day. The best cruises to choose under the rain include The Vaka Cruise and Bishop’s Cruises, as they have the largest and most comfortable weather-proofed boats.
Location: Lagoon cruises include accommodation transfers. Compare all of your options using the 10 Best Lagoon Cruises on Aitutaki.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com7. Rent a DVD (Yes, Really!)
That’s right, DVD rental stores are still a thing on Aitutaki and a rainy day saviour! Look out for the DVD rental shop sign on the main road between Amuri and Arutanga. Oh, and you’ll want to make sure your accommodation has a DVD player first. Accommodations with a DVD player include Sunny Beach Lodge, Moana Villa Aitutaki and Are Kapakapa. Otherwise, some accommodations offer movie hard drives, such as Aitutaki Escape, Etu Moana, Pacific Resort Aitutaki and Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort.
Location: Look out for the DVD shop sign on the roadside between Amuri and Arutanga.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com8. Check Out the Giant Clams at the Marine Research Centre
Although only partially undercover, the rain shouldn’t ruin your visit to the Marine Research Centre too much. See a giant clam and native clam nursery under the sail shades and learn about the conservation work done here from the site manager, Richard (usually available from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday). Entry is by donation, just pop in some cash in the clam urn.
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.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com9. Stop By Stonefish
Operating out of a sweet little shipping container seemingly in the middle of nowhere on the eastern side of the island, Stonefish is your go-to for Aitutaki apparel. Browse a selection of locally designed beach tees, T-shirts, caps and sports tanks that will get you island-ready to hit the lagoon or kitesurf in style when the weather lets up.
Location: East coast road, just after the Piraki Lookout road when heading north.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com10. Scuba Dive with the Turtles
Who cares what the rain is doing when you’re under the water’s surface? Join Bubbles Below (Dive Aitutaki) for a dive trip either with turtles in the Arutanga Passage or at the sunk barge dive site, Black Rock. Learn more about what Bubbles Below has to offer in the 5 Best Dive Shops & Operators in the Cook Islands.
Location: Arutanga Harbour.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comMore About Rainy Days on Aitutaki
That’s it for our guide on things to do on Aitutaki on a rainy day but by no means the end of our Aitutaki advice! Check out these other articles to help plan the perfect getaway:
- 20 Things to Do in the Cook Islands on a Rainy Day
- Cook Islands Weather, Seasons & Climate + Weather by Month
- 20 Best Things to Do on Aitutaki
Finally, plan the rest of your Aitutaki getaway using The Complete Travel Guide to Aitutaki and 101 Best Things to Do in the Cook Islands: The Ultimate List.
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