Maungapu

Maungapu rises to only around a hundred and twenty four metres, which is enough to be the highest point on Aitutaki, and the tradition attached to it says the summit was cut from Raemaru on Rarotonga and carried here by Aitutakian warriors, which is why both are flat. The climb takes around twenty minutes on a steep track, and the top gives the view of the whole lagoon that the island is known for.

What you actually see

• The lagoon view - the whole of Aitutaki's lagoon laid out from the top.
• The flat summit - the shape the Raemaru legend explains.
• The short climb - around twenty minutes up a steep track.
• The island layout - the main island and the motu visible together.

When to go

May to October is the drier season. Early morning and late afternoon avoid the heat. The track is slippery after rain.

Honest expectations

The track is steep and slippery when wet. There is no shade on the climb. The summit is small and gets busy when cruise passengers are on the island.

Nearby

Arutanga is below, and the lagoon is east.