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Culture & History

Aitutaki: the marae and the arrival of Christianity

📍 Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Where
Various sites around Aitutaki
Opening hours
Daylight
Typical cost
Free; guided island tours available

Aitutaki holds a particular place in Cook Islands history: it was here in 1821 that missionaries of the London Missionary Society first established themselves in the group, before Christianity spread to the other islands.

What to see

The church at Arutanga, dating from that period. Marae sites from before it. The two together tell the story of an enormous change compressed into a few decades.

Visiting marae

These are sacred sites. Do not climb on the stonework or remove anything, and ask before photographing.

💡 Local tip
Take an island tour with a local guide rather than finding the sites yourself. Half of what makes them worth visiting is the account of what happened there.
Listed as a local guide entry — not bookable through CI Booking. Details can change; it is worth confirming before you go.

Book something on Aitutaki

Stay
Mouare Aitutaki
From NZD 870/night
Stay
Piraki Heights
From NZD 200/night
Do
Half Day Private Lagoon Tour
From NZD 500/person
Get around
Lady D’s Rentals
From NZD 40/day

Booked direct with local operators — no booking fees.

For local operators

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