Kia Orana
Kia Orana
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About
We invite you to book a Kia Orana morning or afternoon speedboat cruise (for up to 10 people) when you come to Aitutaki. Whether you are an individual or a couple, a wedding party, or a group of friends, cruising around the Lagoon and visiting One Foot Island, and Honeymoon Island is one of the most memorable things to do in the whole of the Pacific. We cruise to what we call "the seven wonders of paradise", and every island has something special to see and experience.
Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
140 reviews
Excellent
126
Very good
10
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
2
TexasMomTW
Hot Springs, AR385 contributions
Oct 2022
The Seven Wonders of Paradise Cruise/Aitutaki Lagoon tour with “Captain Fantastic” Andrew Katu’s Kia Orana Cruise was a great independent shore excursion from the port of Arutanga, Aitutaki. The website was excellent and Facebook page photos were very helpful. Email correspondence with him was very helpful, and we appreciated his patience since there were so many cruise ship itinerary changes.
We arrived on shore early via one of the first tenders, walked to the right and down to the water, found the Kia Orana Cruise speedboat, met Captain Fantastic and paid the fee in exact change in New Zealand dollars that we had obtained on the cruise ship.
Captain Fantastic was an excellent tour guide, captain and cook – very nice, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, helpful, patient with teaching us the geology and history of each stop, and skilled at navigating the speedboat through choppy water to accommodate the weather and avoid crowds. The speedboat was fast and the 8 passengers sat in plastic armchairs along the sides.
The beautiful beaches, islands, snorkeling spots, hikes and lunch were all fantastic. We were so happy that we finally got see the iconic white sand beaches and the beautiful blue water that you see in the promotional photos!
All in all, the Seven Wonders tour with Kia Orana was a fun, active, interesting and educational day that was great for a first time visit to Aitutaki, taking us to more attractions at a lower price that a ship shore excursion.
We arrived on shore early via one of the first tenders, walked to the right and down to the water, found the Kia Orana Cruise speedboat, met Captain Fantastic and paid the fee in exact change in New Zealand dollars that we had obtained on the cruise ship.
Captain Fantastic was an excellent tour guide, captain and cook – very nice, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, helpful, patient with teaching us the geology and history of each stop, and skilled at navigating the speedboat through choppy water to accommodate the weather and avoid crowds. The speedboat was fast and the 8 passengers sat in plastic armchairs along the sides.
The beautiful beaches, islands, snorkeling spots, hikes and lunch were all fantastic. We were so happy that we finally got see the iconic white sand beaches and the beautiful blue water that you see in the promotional photos!
All in all, the Seven Wonders tour with Kia Orana was a fun, active, interesting and educational day that was great for a first time visit to Aitutaki, taking us to more attractions at a lower price that a ship shore excursion.
Written December 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katelyn D
5 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
An amazing day out exploring the Aitutaki Lagoon! The Kia Orana cruise was very responsive via email and we were able to secure our spot with them easily. We departed the main island before other cruises which meant that we could explore One Foot Island and other beautiful destinations before the bigger boat cruises arrived. The included lunch was delicious. We loved our experience and would recommend for any future travellers wanting a more affordable, but just as amazing tour of Aitutaki lagoon and it's surrounding islands.
Written April 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ali
Hvar Island, Croatia3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
This was truly a once in a lifetime experience!
Sean (captain fantastic junior) was our skipper and had plenty of knowledge and told us heaps of stories on our trip around the 7 motus.
Each island is beyond words beautiful- literally looked like something out of a computer screensaver it was so perfect!
There were two different snorkelling spots where you could swim with beautiful coral reefs with giant trevalley and even a napoleon rass
Lunch, which is included, was a delicious island style bbq with plenty to eat even for the fussiest eaters
I seriously cannot recommend Kia Orana enough, smaller group sizes meant we could stop way more and see more of this beautiful part of the world- if you are in Aitutaki then this trip is a MUST DO
Sean (captain fantastic junior) was our skipper and had plenty of knowledge and told us heaps of stories on our trip around the 7 motus.
Each island is beyond words beautiful- literally looked like something out of a computer screensaver it was so perfect!
There were two different snorkelling spots where you could swim with beautiful coral reefs with giant trevalley and even a napoleon rass
Lunch, which is included, was a delicious island style bbq with plenty to eat even for the fussiest eaters
I seriously cannot recommend Kia Orana enough, smaller group sizes meant we could stop way more and see more of this beautiful part of the world- if you are in Aitutaki then this trip is a MUST DO
Written October 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fay C
Auckland Central, New Zealand6 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
I cannot rate Kia Orana enough! We were travelling as 5 friends so this smaller lagoon cruise/ boat charter was perfect for us. It also meant the boat was able to get to places the bigger boats couldn't. Captain also plans his trip so that he avoids all the bigger boats which left us feeling like we were the only people on earth. Exactly how we wanted to feel in a place like Aitutaki. Captain was friendly, informative and relaxed. The times on each Motu was perfect and little activities and things to do on each Island. The sand bar was like being in heaven, then we got to plant coconut trees and snorkel some epic spots (with giant trevally and Napoleon Wrasse) with a delicious and nourishing lunch on their own private island. We learnt how to open a coconut as well! We travelled in April which is the shoulder months and ideal weather time. Apparently though this is a quite time for Raro and Aitutaki (I think everyone waits until winter to go) but if you can go in April, do it. I'd say this is the perfect cruise, it felt so private and bespoke. Aitutaki is rated the best place on earth by the guy that wrote lonely planet. If you take this cruise, you'll understand why.
Written April 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charity Tunoho
13 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
The entire trip was mesmerizing, we were picked up and joined a cruise with a family and one other couple, the lone captain Kisha ran the whole show from pick up, captaining the boat, educating all attendees, preparing our kai, and dropping us off at our accommodation.
We explored Motu Rakau and learned about the black mahogany tree and volcanic activity, and an area where there were no other tourists where we took amazing photos unspoiled by too many tourists, the sand and nature was the star!!
The medium size jet boat easily made its way between the small motu islands, and the snorkeling spots where we swam with HUGE friendly giant trevally, wrasse, red emperor, many smaller little fish the multicolored tropical fish were amazing!! We saw the Alexander shipwreck and giant clams!! The first snorkel was amazing, but the final snorkeling spot was the BEST!!!
We saw and heard the hundreds of tavake birds, and watched the kite boarders flying with the wind!
We planted a coconut and walked to the next motu thru the shallow water to our lunch spot, where we had the yummiest fresh salads, BBQ kai, bread, taro!!
Kisha was humble and genuine, his wisdom and willingness to share his knowledge and experience was friendly and professional with an easy island vibe. Thank you for your time and energy to share your paradise with us!! Meitaki ma'ata!!
We explored Motu Rakau and learned about the black mahogany tree and volcanic activity, and an area where there were no other tourists where we took amazing photos unspoiled by too many tourists, the sand and nature was the star!!
The medium size jet boat easily made its way between the small motu islands, and the snorkeling spots where we swam with HUGE friendly giant trevally, wrasse, red emperor, many smaller little fish the multicolored tropical fish were amazing!! We saw the Alexander shipwreck and giant clams!! The first snorkel was amazing, but the final snorkeling spot was the BEST!!!
We saw and heard the hundreds of tavake birds, and watched the kite boarders flying with the wind!
We planted a coconut and walked to the next motu thru the shallow water to our lunch spot, where we had the yummiest fresh salads, BBQ kai, bread, taro!!
Kisha was humble and genuine, his wisdom and willingness to share his knowledge and experience was friendly and professional with an easy island vibe. Thank you for your time and energy to share your paradise with us!! Meitaki ma'ata!!
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stefan M
Melbourne, Australia7 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
This was a trip of a lifetime. The tour itself was great value for money, but also well planned and executed. Considering Captain had to take the group out himself after last minute crew changes, he was so well prepared, organised and professional throughout the day. The group size was perfect, the boat was in good condition, and he safely navigated the lagoon. The BBQ lunch was incredible and chilled water was supplied. We didn't feel rushed at all. Every stop over or snorkel activities were well timed. Captain explained a lot about the history of each stopover and even gave us the opportunity to plant our very own coconut tree, giving a sand bank an opportunity to flourish in the future. What a great investment in regenerative tourism. Can't wait to revisit the coconut tree we planted. Photos just don't do it justice. You need to experience this tour yourself. You're in good hands with Captain Fantastic. Meitaki maata.
Written January 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Savvy travelled
3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We embarked on a Kia Orana cruise on what looked to be a stormy day. It was amazing- the crew were great and looked after us well, avoiding the rain on the island visits and timing it perfectly for the snorkeling. The snorkeling was incredible, my husband was very happy! The food was outstanding, it was all cooked for us then and there and we could help ourselves. It was delicious! You learn about each island you go to and the stories behind them whilst eating lunch together which was fascinating. There was also a coconut demonstration which was cool! I would fully recommend this cruise to anyone wanting to go on a boat trip in Aitutaki. We are so pleased we did it and would love to do it again next time we return! Thank you for a great day out!
Written July 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Connector45568904538
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Couples
Choosing this tour was the best decision we made! Captain Fantastic took us out to many of the islands, stopping for walks, planting of trees and also for an amazing feed!
His tour is much smaller in size, about 10 people, which we loved! At every stop we arrived well before the other big tourist boats, meaning we got to enjoy the surroundings without the crowds of tourists on the beaches. Captain Fantastic too us to the most incredible spot for snorkelling with massive fish, giant clams and more.
He did a great job of safely navigating us through the lagoon, setting up our lunch and providing us with loads of information about the island.
Honesty can’t recommend this tour enough! ‘Meitaki Ma’ata Captain Fantastic!
His tour is much smaller in size, about 10 people, which we loved! At every stop we arrived well before the other big tourist boats, meaning we got to enjoy the surroundings without the crowds of tourists on the beaches. Captain Fantastic too us to the most incredible spot for snorkelling with massive fish, giant clams and more.
He did a great job of safely navigating us through the lagoon, setting up our lunch and providing us with loads of information about the island.
Honesty can’t recommend this tour enough! ‘Meitaki Ma’ata Captain Fantastic!
Written February 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HappyRetired1
Coupeville, WA155 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We spent two weeks in the Cook Islands. Our tour with Captain Kishon from Kia Orana Tours was a highlight. We prefer a smaller tour group and were absolutely delighted with this company. The maximum is 10-people.
Captain Kishon is a competent, quiet, humble man. He navigated the boat through shallow water with coral reefs without GPS or a depth sounder! His knowledge of the waterways was impressive. He is an excellent seaman. When he shared stories of his ancestry and culture, his pride was evident.
The smaller boat enabled us to go to two destinations that a larger boat would not be able to go. Seeing the huge clam shells underwater was amazing. We loved planting palm trees to help the environment. A nice aspect of the day. We preferred Honeymoon Island to One Foot although, we did get our stamp!
Captain Kishon prepared a lunch that was plentiful with a lovely assortment for every taste. Kia Orana Tour should be your first and only choice to tour the Lagoon.
Captain Kishon is a competent, quiet, humble man. He navigated the boat through shallow water with coral reefs without GPS or a depth sounder! His knowledge of the waterways was impressive. He is an excellent seaman. When he shared stories of his ancestry and culture, his pride was evident.
The smaller boat enabled us to go to two destinations that a larger boat would not be able to go. Seeing the huge clam shells underwater was amazing. We loved planting palm trees to help the environment. A nice aspect of the day. We preferred Honeymoon Island to One Foot although, we did get our stamp!
Captain Kishon prepared a lunch that was plentiful with a lovely assortment for every taste. Kia Orana Tour should be your first and only choice to tour the Lagoon.
Written December 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allena D
Auckland Central, New Zealand284 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
We booked our tour through our hotel and Sean picked us up right on time and drove us to the boat. The boat takes up to 8 guests so was like your mate took you out on the water for the day. We visited several Islands and Sean explained the history and Legends behind them. We snorkeled in 2 locations, 1 had a sunken boat. The Trevally were huge and seemed to be waiting for us. We planted a coconut tree we'd found on a bigger island and planted them on a new formation. Pretty cool to think we've left something behind that will grow. Sean made us a banquet of local fruit and veggies and fresh tuna. Thanks Sean and Tiki for our best day.
Written January 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi! We are going in 2 months. Where I can book this tour? Thank you!
Written December 29, 2019
Book on-line at kia Orana cruise. We thoroughly enjoyed it
Written December 29, 2019
We are not great swimmers so I am wondering, for the snorkeling spots that the tour stops at, are they by the beach or in shallow water?
Written March 5, 2017
There are shallow and deep snorkelling spots in the lagoon. Kia Orana cater for all levels of swimming ability. They carry life jackets which you can wear while snorkelling. I wore one so I could concentrate on filming with my Go-Pro. Make sure to let the skipper know if you don't feel confident in the water.
You may want to look at a private charter like Black Pearl where you will get one-on-one guidance. The owner, Mere, is lovely and she will get in the water with you to ensure your confidence and safety.
Written March 30, 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.