Gate area in T1 has the simple Tourist Map Stand
This is a tiny stand inside T1 at Aitutaki Airport (AIT), usually set up near the small seating area by check-in and departure. It stocks basic printed maps of Aitutaki, with key beaches and guesthouses marked. Think quick grab-and-go information before you jump in a van or boat, not a full visitor center.
Most maps at the Tourist Map Stand are free handouts tied to local resorts or tour operators, occasionally backed by small ads for lagoon cruises or scooter rentals. You might also see a more detailed fold-out map for sale, typically just a few New Zealand dollars. Cash is the norm on the island, so don’t count on cards here.
The stand appears during the main flight banks that Air Rarotonga runs, usually clustered around late morning or early afternoon departures. If you land on an off-schedule charter or very early, the stand may be closed and you’ll have to rely on your hotel’s info instead. Grab what you need before walking out to the simple open-air parking area.
Use the Tourist Map Stand to circle your accommodation, mark the main lagoon access points, and note fuel stations for scooters before you leave the airport. Quick tip: check the map’s print date in the corner and pick the most recent version you see on the rack.