ESCAPE MAGAZINE ISSUE 27

AITUTAKI • COOK ISLANDS
Tamanu Beach
Tamanu Beach
CASUAL LUXURY
A winding road
criss-crossing the island and lots
of small tracks, lead to interesting,
unexpected places and a number of
local villages.
Bligh returned later to Aitutaki and is said to have introduced
the pawpaw which, like other varieties of tropical fruit, grows in
abundance all over the island.
50 years later the first missionary, the Reverend John Williams of
The London Missionary Society, introduced Christianity to Aitutaki
and the Cook Islands Christian Church, down by the wharf at
Arutanga, became the very first Church built in the Cook Islands.
A grand old lady with coral walls, stained glass windows and
ornate ceiling decorations, she is a constant inspiration to locals
and a reminder that Aitutaki was the first of the nation’s islands to
embrace Christianity.
Delving further into the islands past is local archaeologist
Ngaakitai Pureariki. On a four-acre site in one of Aitutaki’s bushclad
valleys Nga’a is uncovering remnants of his peoples’ ancient
past on a site strewn with large obelisk-like stones. Carbon dating
of samples reveal that the Marae at Paengariki was established
around 1000 A.D. Warriors met here before and after battle; sacred
feasts and coming-of-age ceremonies were celebrated and human
sacrifice took place. This is a fascinating place to visit for the
Aitutaki Cultural Tour at Punarei.
Visitors will find a wide range of accommodation options available
on the main island; from award-winning resorts to less expensive
clean and comfortable motels and backpacker operations. The
best way to see the Aitutaki mainland is by hired car or motor
scooter. A winding road criss-crossing the island and lots of small
tracks, lead to interesting, unexpected places and a number of
Takurua
Island Night
EVERY THURSDAY
RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL
Ph. 31 810
WWW.TAMANUBEACH.COM
ESCAPE • 83