Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Fell in Love with the Cooks Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Cook Islands
recken 17:38 UTC 27 Oct 2007 | Hi Guys, Me and my girlfriend have been to the Cook islands last April as part of a 2 month RTW trip. I have seen quite a few islands around the globe, but Rarotonga and Aitutaki stole my heart. We flew in on AirNZ's inaugural service from LAX to RRT on april 6th. The only plans we made on fore hand was a connecting flight to Aitutaki. Flying in to Aitutaki has to be one of my best flghts EVER. Flying in to Aitutaki Upon arrival at Raro I've made 1 phone call to a place called Raganui's Retreat on Aitutaki. Wonderfull place run by a OZ fellow. It is one of the smaller and cheaper accommodations, but the location is absolutely wonderful. Located at the end of the runway at the lagoon. We've stayed on the island for 4 nights, flew back to Raro. Once we got there I called our first choice from the LP guidebook. "Atupa Orchid Units". We stayed for 3 nights. A fully equipped unit. The owners where very friendly and got out of their way to make our stay a pleasant one. Would have loved to stay longer. One thing is for sure... I'll be back. Our highlights on the cook's: - THE 1-hour flight to Aitutaki - @ Aitutaki: Renting a scooter and explore this small pacific island jewel - @ Aitutaki: Get yourself a sea kayak and explore the abandoned small islands around the lagoon - @ Aitutaki: Grab a sunset beer at the bar next to Ranginui's - @ Raro: Do the cross island track (bring lots of water and insect repellent) - @ Raro: If you don't have a license to ride a motorbike, get one at the Cook's for $16,-, including a 5 minute test (round the block) - @ Raro: Rent a scooter and circle the island taking your time to explore. - @ All islands: Realize were you are and absorb the laid-back, 100% honest, pure, unspoiled, friendly atmosphere found NOWHERE else in the world. (at least, not by me ;-) Have fun guys, and travel save! |
islandboi321 21:06 UTC 27 Oct 2007 | <blockquote>Quote <hr>Rarotonga and Aitutaki stole my heart. <hr></blockquote> You weren't the first! ;) | 1
perthgirl 08:00 UTC 28 Oct 2007 | That's for sure! 8 ) | 2
jmk 20:47 UTC 29 Oct 2007 | Many of us have that "flu" | 3