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# Mitiaro Is Alive & Well Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Cook Islands
papamike 19:40 UTC 18 Mar 2008 | Contact the Cook Islands Tourism Board for information on lodgings in Mitiaro and they will inform you that there are no accredited lodgings on the Island and therefore they can not help you with your visit. I just returned from this outer island and it was a great trip. You can explore caves, fish for eels in the inland lake, or just live the quiet Island life. The fourth largest Cook Island in land mass, boasts less than 180 islanders in four small villages. A couple of small stores with the necessary provisions (cold beer) and a couple of places to stay. I stayed with Vivian Vandongen at her Ngatoa Lodge, which has two bedrooms in her house and a brand new seperate cottage overlooking the reef. Short walk to a tiny beach or the island harbor for swimming. All meals are served family-style on the patio of the home. Great home cooking! Rates start at NZ$75.00, including meals. There is a small store at the lodge for essentials. Tell her Papa Mike sent you. Showers are unheated catchment water, not cold but not hot, quite refreshing in the heat of day. Contact Vivian by E-Mail at vivian@oyster.net.ck As always expect E-Mail replies in a few days, Internet is only available at Island Council Offices and viewed 2-3 times per week. Fly Air Rarotonga to Mitiaro, the twice weekly flights on Monday and Friday are a bit pricey, but it is possible to take the inter-island freighter to Mitiaro and catch a flight one way. Sometimes discount fares are available a few days before flights, depending on bookings, contact Air Raro for more information. Those looking for a off the beaten track authentic South Sea Island experience, will find it on Mitiaro. Go visit before Tepaki Group decides to build a luxury resort with a championship golf course on the island. Papa Mike www.mikehollywood.com |
raro 07:28 UTC 19 Mar 2008 | Mike---Glad to hear Mitiaro is alive, and well, still a bit "dead"! For those not familiar with the Cooks, Mike's last sentence is a bit of a joke. Tepaki is a developer with plans to build resorts "everywhere in the Cooks". His main venture on Rarotonga still has progressed just a few percent after several years, so one need not worry about Mitiaro going the way of resorts. I agree, Mitiaro is an out-of-the-way place to visit in the Cooks. It's one of the few islands you are actually permitted to stay with local families, in the guise of their "rental unit", often just a bedroom in their house. Also check out the unusual graves---all decorated with pots, pans, household items, even baby bottles for deceased infants. The thinking is that the deceased may return for a visit now and then, and of course they will need come of these things while visiting. Shy people, but very friendly once you've had a conversation or two. So, intrepid travelers, mark this one down for your own bucket list! And pick up Papa Mike's new book when it comes out for the latest on the Cooks. Raro | 1
papamike 22:19 UTC 19 Mar 2008 | Good to hear Raro is still around and keeping track of this forum. As always, full of good info on the Cooks. Raro I had my notes on the graves, skipped over them when posting, was anxious to help the Island which is being truly ignored by the Tourism Board. Thanks for the plug and I figured you would pick up on the Tepaki comment. Warm Regards, Papa Mike www.mikehollywood.com | 2
uliel101 02:58 UTC 20 Mar 2008 | Hey Mike, How about some fresh info about the accom. in Aitutaki? Thanks, Uri | 3
papamike 19:42 UTC 20 Mar 2008 | Sorry about that Uri, I tried to send you a private message and it would not go through. Update on Aitutaki is that prices are quite soft over on the Atol. Lots of post "Survivor" expansion in the lodging industry has led to a bit of an over supply, especially now during slow season. Suggest you contact the various places direct. Paradise Cove, Josie's Beach Lodge, Sunny Beach Lodge are all good candidates. Over on Atiu, it is hard to beat Atiu Villas, especially with new pool on grounds. Good luck and enjoy your stay, let me know if I can help you further. Papa Mike Papa Mike's Cook Islands Handbook | 4
uliel101 20:28 UTC 20 Mar 2008 | Thanks Mike! | 5
clubfred 21:48 UTC 24 Mar 2008 | Hi Mike! It was fantastic to meet you while you were on Aitutaki - Fred is sorry he missed you. Thanks for the info on Mitiaro. We plan on visiting at least one of the outer islands when we leave here, (before we head to Argentina to gorge on steak!). Cheers, Kristene (Matriki) | 6
papamike 02:06 UTC 26 Mar 2008 | Hi Kristine, Sorry I didn't get a chance to catch up with Fred. I'm hopeful sometime some place, we will cross paths. How much longer will you be in Aitutaki? I will be back about this time next year, not sure where I will be but maybe spend some time in Aitutaki. Hope you get a chance to visit Mitiaro, it is truly spectacular and unspoiled. Warm Regards, Papa Mike | 7
clubfred 00:42 UTC 31 Mar 2008 | Barring unforeseen circumstances, we should be here until Nov 2009. We will look for you next year, we might even have some room next time! Cheers! Kristene | 8