Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# cook Islands in february Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Cook Islands
reimar 21:17 UTC 02 Dec 2011 | We - two older travelers - will spend a week in February on Aitutaki and Rarotonga. Probably we will live in Aitutaki on the West Coast and in Rarotonga in Arorangi.. I am grateful for recommendations on the following questions: Where to get on Aitutaki cooked breakfast? And in Avarua or Arorangi? Are there differences between the several lagoon trips to Aitutaki? Island nights on both islands? We will land at 0:30 clock in Rarotonga and fly the first plane to Aitutaki. What to do or where to stay at this time in Rarotonga? Any advice would be great and appreciated. |
h2ooh 03:46 UTC 03 Dec 2011 | @reimar..... Where to get on Aitutaki cooked breakfast? And in Avarua or Arorangi? Most lodges will give this option... have you asked them? Locals usually have tea and donuts. I'd try the resorts on Aitutaki... others on this forum will have suggestions for Raro. Sometimes they have fresh grilled flying fish between 6 and 7 am at the market in Arutanga. Are there differences between the several lagoon trips to Aitutaki? Lots of difference... the big catamaran is dry and comfortable, stays inside the lagoon and you'll have lots of company with which to share the experience. The small boats are a wetter ride in choppy conditions. The small glass-bottom boat is my favorite with a trip outside the reef, a snorkel stop inside the lagoon and a shore lunch with freshly-caught fish. He usually takes 6-8 people and you get more of a local experience. Island nights on both islands? There's usually three or four a week on Aitutaki. Raro has lots of them at the resorts. The Staircase Bar has a nice one on Raro. BTW... on Aitutaki they have "Culture Nights" which differ from "Island Nights". Island Nights are performed mostly by professional dancers who are compensated. Culture Nights are usually performed by locals not yet professional dancers and small children and older folks. It's more of a fun night out for the locals. Both are worth seeing and a lot of fun. We will land at 0:30 clock in Rarotonga and fly the first plane to Aitutaki. The Aquarius across the road from the airport is a convenient place to stay. Also... you may want to make a run into the grocery store to pick up any favorite items before going to Aitutaki. I'd pick up wine or spirits from the duty-free shop before going through customs. Not a large selection on Aitutakiu. | 1