Aitutaki accomodation

Hi,
I'm heading to Aitutaki soon for a week with my girfriend. We're looking for budget accomodation.
Does anyone have any suggestions,also does anyone have any feedback to give on the Vaikoa Units or the Matriki Beach Huts.
Thanks a lot.

We stayed at Vaikoa Units back in 2000 and found them to be quite basic but okay for a few nights. On our last trip in 2006 we opted for Sunny Beach Lodge, closer in location to the main town. The unit was much larger with more amenities, but of course, cost a bit more but still reasonable. I would recommend the end unit which has great cross breezes. Check out tripadvisor.com - I think they have some reviews of budget accommodation on Aitutaki. I would also recommend Kia Orana for your lagoon trip - we found them to be excellent. You have picked a beautiful place to visit.

In 2003 when I visited Vaikoa Units they were, how can I say it, a bit treadbare. I left them out of my book, because I felt they were not up to my minimum standards. That was nearly five years ago, so I can't say one way or the other, as that is a long time ago. I Will visit next month on my update trip for the guidebook, so we will see what has changed. Matriki Beach Huts are new since my visit, I have heard many good comments from visitors and am anxious to visit their lodging. I stayed at Sunny Beach Lodge on my trip in 2003 and felt they offered good value and a great location. Rates are up since my visit, so will re-evaluate next trip. I have heard nothing but good reports on Kia Orana for lagoon trips, as per newfie43's comment. When are you going to Aitutaki and will you be in Raro prior? Perhaps we can meet and talk. Buy Papa Mike a VB Bitters and he will tell you all his secrets.

Have A Great Trip!

Papa Mike
www.mikehollywood.com

Me and my boyfriend stayed at Matriki Beach Huts in September 2006. We stayed in the single, one storey beach hut with its own outside shower which was cold but nice in that climate. The room was simple but clean with a gas stove which we used to cook a couple of nights but there were also a couple of places to eat you could walk to that were nearby. There is a balcony to sit on with lovely views of the lagoon - a really laid back and chilled place. The biggest downside was walking to the toilet during the night as you had to play dodge the hermit crab but the beautiful location certainly made up for it!!! The family who own the place are very friendly, they will organise anything for you - moped hire, boat trips, they even drove us to the local shop on the first day so that we could buy some supplies. Hope that helps - have a lovely time!

To avoid stepping on hermit crabs at night, bring a small flashlight ("torch" in the Cooks). The hermit crabs will scurry away once the light hits them. It's a good deal for both of you....

Hi there! My name is Kristene and my husband, Fred, and I are the new managers of Matriki Beach Huts. Of course, my opinion is a little biased but I thought I'd give you the link to our new website so you can have a peek: www.matrikibeachhuts.com</a> (The old website does not have very much information).

We cater mostly to adventure travelers and get a lot of RTW folks as we are one of the few budget, beach front accommodations on the island. Our huts are rustic but there is no shortage of fun and hospitality here! We also run Matriki Sea Adventures and offer snorkel and fishing tours. Fred is the only tour operator on the island who takes snorkelers outside the reef and it is incredible out there! Huge canyons with big schools of fish, eels, turtles, eagle rays!

If you don't come to stay with us, please do drop by and say hello.(The people at Vaikoa are very nice, FYI). Also, as I live on the island, I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.

Cheers,
Kristene