COOK ISLANDS
Aitutaki
Aitutaki, the second most visited island in the Cook Islands group, is geologically part volcanic and part atoll. Local legend claims that its highest hill, Maungapu, is said to be the top of Rarotonga's Raemaru mountain that was chopped off and brought back by victorious Aitutaki warriors.
Polynesian myth holds that beautiful Aitutaki is a giant
fish tethered to the seabed by a vine from the air. The light turquoise lagoon looks like a huge pale oyster against the vivid blue ocean.
Captain Bligh discovered Aitutaki in 1789, only 17 days before the notorious mutiny on the Bounty. Christian missionaries followed which meant it was the first island in the Cook Islands to receive Christianity.
Today the people live in villages along the coastline and island interior. Most roads are tar sealed and transport is mainly by motor scooter, although bicycles and cars are also used to get people around. The low rolling hills of the island are flanked by banana plantations and coconut groves.
A triangular barrier reef seems to catch the exquisite turquoise Aitutaki lagoon like a giant fishhook. The crystal clear water in the lagoon is ideal for sailing, swimming and snorkelling and beneath the blue surface is a world of sea creatures and plants that will leave you fascinated. There's also the elusive fighting Bonefish which is favoured by anglers.
To reach the summit of Maungapu, take a leisurely half-hour walk to the west side of the island. At its peak you'll discover a
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