Because travel is better with two - By writer/editor/photographer Melanie Wynne
Continued from
Aitutaki Discovery Safari Tours: Story of an Island, Part 1
Paengiriki marae, Aitutaki
While Ngaa’s (NAH-ah’s) Aitutaki Discovery Safari Tours show off some spectacular jungle and hilltop views and a gorgeous bounty of local fruit, we felt his stop at the interior’s Paengariki marae was the true highlight.
On our recent trip to Aitutaki, the second-largest of the Cook Islands, we didn’t rent a car or moped, but still wanted to go exploring as much as possible. Aitutaki Discovery Safari Tours not only showed us most of this lush, green island, but taught us about the ancient culture of the Cook Islands Maori people.
We’d recommend it to anyone who travels to this distant part of paradise.
Rainbow at the Pacific Resort Aitutaki, Cook Islands
On weeks like this one, when much of outlying Los Angeles is on fire, we like to fantasize about living in a tropical place where there’s very little stress…and plenty of rain. A place, like, say, Aitutaki in the Cook Islands.
But what would a move like this really be like? On our recent trip, we met a few people who were making a new life for themselves on an island paradise, far from home.
Rapae Bay Restaurant and pool, Pacific Resort Aitutaki
Within an hour of our arrival at the Pacific Resort Aitutaki, we’d pretty much seen the lay of the land (and blue, blue lagoon). We looked at each other, nodded, and knew: We already wanted to stay a lot longer.
Aitutaki, the second largest of the Cook Islands, is one of the most laid-back places we’ve ever been.
Exploring the island for four days during Oceania’s winter, we felt a little sun, a little wind and a lot of peace. It offers the perfect combination of nature, cultural exploration…and pure sloth.
