5 days or 12 days in the cook islands...

Hi:

I am trying to plan a trip to the cook islands for later this year. We have direct flights from LAX to the cook islands that depart on Sun evening and the return flight is on Sat night. This seems to be the simplest way to get there -- direct and non-stop. Most of the other flights are from LAX to Auckland and then to Cook islands.

My question is: how long should one stay there -- i know it is difficult to answer, but i am working and can take up to 2 weeks off later this year.

1. I was debating if i should go for 6 days and 5 nights -- or is it too rushed? i think flying 10 hours in and another 10 hours out is a long ways for a 5 day trip. but am willing to do it, if i am convinced.
2. or should i just go for 12 days? If it is the latter, i can visit a couple of islands. i would like to visit Raro and Aitutaki at the very least. take it easy and relax. although i have read the posts about the high cost of internet, so i am not sure if i can be unplugged for that long.
3. is a car rental needed?
4. any suggestions on where to stay -- would prefer a unit with a kitchen. Being vegetarian, not sure how easy it is to get good veggie options on the islands.
5. Any must-sees, must not miss places, things to do et al.

thanks a ton
ss

I cant imagine going all that way for 6 days, most people I see are only starting to get into 'island time' about then...
get a local sim for your phone and use that for internet
plenty of food options and fresh fruit & vegies
the bus service is great - the island is 32 kms around and the bus runs every half hour
havent been to Aitutaki - air fare out of my budget but I stayed a month on rarotonga and moved around to a few different accommodations- just in case the one didnt suit me. I enjoyed wandering around and exploring each different area.
Maybe try two different places so you wont get bored?

Aitutaki is well worth a visit, stay the 12 days and do both.

I would also recommend 12 days split between Rarotonga and Aitutaki. It has been a few years since my visits so my information may be out of date. Self catering will be no problem on both islands - we booked a small house on Rarotonga on our first visit and choose Sunny Beach Lodge in Aitutaki on the second. If heat and humidity bother you look for A/C as it gets hot Nov/Dec. Shopping for supplies can be hit or miss depending on when transport arrives so be prepared to be flexible - Rarotonga has a great farmer's market. We rented a car only for a day as the bus system on Rarotonga was great - on Aitutaki we rented bicycles, although a four wheel drive would have been handy when we tried to bike around the island. It is definitely a place for relaxing - not a lot to really see but the lagoons are wonderful - kayaking and snorkeling super - a tour by boat on Aitutaki is a must - miles of beaches to walk and some hiking as well. Good luck with your planning!

Hi holidayvisitor,

1. Length of visit
For sure, go for 12 days. The Cook Islands are simply stunning and if you can get to Raro and Aitutaki, you should! We went to Raro for 10 days and could have stayed longer.

2. High cost of internet
The internet there is crazily expensive ($20 NZD for 500mb) but if you need just email, you should be okay. Please don't miss out on the full experience because of work!

3. Car rental
The round-island bus on Raro is reliable. You can also hire bicycles. Many of the locals have scooters but these can be a bit of a nuisance (such a gorgeous paradise but a lot of noise on the main road).

4. Accommodation
We stayed at Tiare Village which had a kitchen. Don't let the 'airport motel' tag put you off. It's a charming little place run by lovely owner, Adrienne. The only downside is that it's out of town on the inner island road (although the inner is far quieter, more peaceful and you can catch the bus with a 10-min walk). If you don't want to be so far away, stay near Muri Beach. If you like Indian food, we found good, cheap veggie food at Raviz.

5. Must-sees
Muri Beach, the Cross-Island Walk and diving/snorkelling. We have a list of top 10 things to do in the Cook Islands, which might be useful.

Good luck!

Kia, Atlas & Boots

thanks a ton for all the tips. I will definitely go for 12 days or more if I can get it.

Ss

what did you decide r/t 5 or 12 days - we are in the same situation - thinking 12 days may get a bit boring.

I think I will go for 12 nights. Stay in one part of Rarotonga for 4 days then fly to aitutaki for 3 days and came back to Rarotonga for 5 days. Costco has packages available as well. But the aitutaki section gets expensive. I am trying to figure out when to go and will need to price it and see if I can do it cheaper than a Costco trip. Costco's 5 night option is not bad just to Rarotonga.

Hi

I'd definitely go for 12 days. After such a long (and expensive) flight it would be a pity to just go for 5 days.

I agree that you should spend time in both Raro and Aitutaki, although there's plenty to do in Raro and it's gorgeous. There is lots of self-contained accommodation on Raro to suit all budgets. Some examples are on this site.

https://www.holidayhouses.co.nz/Rarotonga.asp?locationsearch=Rarotonga,%20Cook%20Islands&availablefrom=Any&availableto=Any&minguests=

The bus service is very good, but it is a good idea to hire a car for at least a few days. Cost is reasonable. Suggest you look at Island Car and Bike Hire to get an idea.

You should be fine with being vegetarian as there should be plenty of fruit and vegetables around unless there has been a severe weather event. Imported stuff is available but it's very expensive and not as fresh. If you're a vegetarian who eats fish you'll be in seventh heaven!

Costco has a good reputation for packages from the US but I have no experience to share.

Internet is expensive but cost can be kept down as long as you log out after every session. Most accommodation is near a WIFI hot spot and there are 2 suppliers - Bluesky (used to be Telecom) and Zenbu. You'd need to check which your accommodation uses before you buy a card. Costs are shown on their websites.

There is no doubt that the Aitutaki part adds greatly to the cost. There are sometimes specials available at short notice for day tours or for a few nights. But there's no guarantee that you'd be able to get one of those.

If I can help further, please ask.

I'd recommend not locking yourself into just 3 days on Aitutaki. Buy a fully flex ticket for the return to Raro. That way you can stay a few extra days on Aitutaki if you decide you like it more that Raro, and there's a good chance that you will! Also consider including Atiu, Mauke or Mitiaro. Aitu is not that expensive if you make the hop from Atiu to Aitutaki or reverse.

We like Paradise Cove on Aitutaki. Go their new site, (the old one is not maintained) and you can get a beachfront bungalow w/tropical breakfast for $150NZ a night. Rino's has scooters for $20NZ a day and Tapuna's is a great dinner spot.

Tupuna's is now only open for lunch Mon - Fri. Rino's scooters are available for $20 only if rented for more than 2 days.

Tupuna's is now only open for lunch Mon - Fri. Rino's scooters are available for $20 only if rented for more than 2 days.

No dinner at Tapuna's? Rats, when did that happen?

Tupuna changed her hours in February of this year.

Tupuna changed her hours in February of this year.

Do you know what the hours are?

Tupuna changed her hours in February of this year.

Do you know what the hours are?

She opens at 11:30. She hasn't posted a closing time but I would guess around 2:00. Mon - Fri

Tupuna changed her hours in February of this year.

Do you know what the hours are?

She opens at 11:30. She hasn't posted a closing time but I would guess around 2:00. Mon - Fri

Thank you Araura..... it's a shame to lose them as a dinner option. My wife and I have enjoyed many pleasant evenings there. Any word on why they discontinued dinner service?

Tupuna changed her hours in February of this year.

Do you know what the hours are?

She opens at 11:30. She hasn't posted a closing time but I would guess around 2:00. Mon - Fri

Thank you Araura..... it's a shame to lose them as a dinner option. My wife and I have enjoyed many pleasant evenings there. Any word on why they discontinued dinner service?

I think she just wanted to cut back on her work load.

Tupuna changed her hours in February of this year.

Do you know what the hours are?

She opens at 11:30. She hasn't posted a closing time but I would guess around 2:00. Mon - Fri

Thank you Araura..... it's a shame to lose them as a dinner option. My wife and I have enjoyed many pleasant evenings there. Any word on why they discontinued dinner service?

Puna has posted revised hours. Lunch from 11am to 3pm Mon - Fri and 11am to 2pm on Sat.

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