Excursion Aitutaki circle island discovery tour at Aitutaki
Cruise line: SilverseaDifficulty:
Explore the churches, maraes, local villages, Ootu Bay, Aitutaki Lagoon, and other beautiful and historic sites during this scenic sightseeing excursion.
Aitutaki, Nikaupara, CICC Church, Reureu Village, Vainamu Well
Depart the pier for the short drive south towards Nikaupara, and past the CICC Church, one of the first churches on this island to be built by the missionaries. This old limestone church is over 100 years old, and lavishly-decorated. During a brief stop here, you can take photos inside the building. Leaving the church, re-board your coach for a drive past the village of Reureu and onto the coastal road leading to the Vainamu District. Your narrated drive continues with a drive past the freshwater well of Vainamu, where the old people used to do wash their clothes and do their bathing in the early days of the island. This well doubled as a social meeting-place; the men used to search for their brides here, too.
Limestone Churches, Tautu Wharf, Aitutaki Lagoon, Inland Villages, Are Karioi, Copra Plantations
Next, your sightseeing drive passes limestone churches towards Tautu. After a photo stop is made at the old Tautu Wharf for a beautiful view of the Aitutaki Lagoon, head to the village of Vaipae through its entrance, a huge banyan tree growing over the road and forming an alcove. From here, proceed for a stop at the ancient ceremonial marae of Are Karioi before reaching the inland village of Tautu. Your route continues along the coastal road of the Vaipeka District and past the old Copra Plantations, the only quarry on the island where volcanic rock is quarried for road maintenance and building requirements.
Ootu Bay, Photo and Refreshment Stop, Aitutaki Village Hotel, Amuri Village
Drive on towards Ootu Bay, where the ancient warrior chief, Ru, first landed on Aitutaki approximately 900 year ago. This scenic viewpoint offers beautiful panoramic views of the island, and those wanting to buy refreshments can do so from the beach restaurant at the Aitutaki Village Hotel. Following a photo and refreshment stop here, commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier via Amuri Village.
Points of interests
Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Aitutaki, Villages, Vainamu Well, Limestone Churches, Tautu Wharf, Aitutaki Lagoon, Are Karioi, Copra Plantations, Ootu Bay, Aitutaki Village Hotel
Note
Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 251 yards (about 230 metres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests must be at least seven years old to participate on this tour. This tour does not operate on Sundays. The tour sequence may vary.