Even though the local population is called the Māori, they actually have not much in common with New Zealand people. About 90% of the islanders are descendants of diverse Polynesian nationalities who came to the island due to the migration process through the Pacific Ocean. Even local Māori Kuki Airani language has loan words from Fijian, Samoan and Tahitian dialects of Polynesia. It’s interesting that Aitutaki people call their own language Te Reo Lpukarea meaning «from homeland inherited». Many locals can also speak English because of the great number of tourists and close position to New Zealand. Besides, their speech is quite understandable despite a rather unusual accent.
Aitutaki is a comparatively small island. Here you can find a great variety of souvenirs made by local craftsmen as well as basic necessities. However, if you’re aimed at the huge … Open
Aitutaki Island is one of the most comfortable and interesting among the Cook Islands from a tourist point of view; it’s is second only to the island of Rarotonga. This picturesque … Open
Nobody is in a hurry on Aitutaki Island. Locals strongly believe that all in good time and just can’t understand the European pace of life.
Traditional dance is even now an extremely important part of local culture for natives. It’s a significant component of all local events: childbirth, wedding, funeral, and even purchase of an especially expensive property. Many locals also love singing and playing national musical instruments. There are also several church choirs here and almost the whole island enjoys watching their performances.
Traditional dance is even now an extremely important part of local culture for natives. It’s a significant component of all local events: childbirth, wedding, funeral, and even purchase of an especially expensive property. Many locals also love singing and playing national musical instruments. There are also several church choirs here and almost the whole island enjoys watching their performances.
Aitutaki Island is a perfect destination for those families in which kids are obsessed with journeys and always ready to discover something new every day. There are no children … Open
Dogs and roosters are walking around the streets just as a part of country life and many locals will say Kia Orana! to you what means blessing or wishing for good fortune.
The traditional cultural festival takes place the Island Nice on the second week of February. You can see dance and song performances and even visit a market of products made by local craftsmen.
A competition of artistic quilting – tivaevae – is rather fascinating too. One of the most significant local festivals is Te Maeva Nui – a celebration of the local constitution – that lasts for 10 days and begins at the closet Friday to the 4th August. Diverse sports competitions, artistic performances and reconstruction of important historical events take place during the festival’s program. Locals also greatly celebrate Gospel days. People play the arrival of missionaries on the island. The colourful celebration of Tiaré flowers takes place at the end of November.
A competition of artistic quilting – tivaevae – is rather fascinating too. One of the most significant local festivals is Te Maeva Nui – a celebration of the local constitution – that lasts for 10 days and begins at the closet Friday to the 4th August. Diverse sports competitions, artistic performances and reconstruction of important historical events take place during the festival’s program. Locals also greatly celebrate Gospel days. People play the arrival of missionaries on the island. The colourful celebration of Tiaré flowers takes place at the end of November.