Accomodation at Aitutaki

We are a norwegian married couple, aged about 30++, whao are planning to visit A next fall. We are arriving at Raro monday 28.09.09, and we will directly go to A. We have looked for accomodation on the web, and we have received several offers. We are thinking about Popoaras, where we have got a nice offer for 5 nigths stay, scooter included. Is it a nice place? We want to sleep good, close to the beach (where we can swim and snorcel). We want to eat out on small resaurants, bars etc. (not the big, fancy, expensive resorts). It would be nice to stay in a little community, close to several restaurants/cafeterias/bars. Can you recommend anything?

What are the prices at A.? On eating and drinking out? Bottles of sodas/beers/wine? Dinner? Hope to hear from you soon.

Greetings from

Petter & Stine

Hello Petter and Stine,

I think Popoara's is a good choice for lodging on Aitutaki, the units are clean, if a bit on the small side. The on site Boat Shed restaurant is reasonable. Trade winds assure that it is not too hot. Scooter and car rental on site and within walking distance of three other restaurants, Beach rentals nearby and close to the airport. It is a ways to the main villages, but only a fifteen minute scooter ride away. Sodas/beer/wine are always cheaper at the market NZ$4.00 for beer. Island night dancing is available at Samade's which is walking distance away. Try breakfast at nearby Kuru Cafe. Aitutaki restaurants charge for andwiches from NZ$10.00 to 15.00, dinners around NZ$25.00 to 30.00.

Have A Great Trip!

Papa Mike

Thank you for yor answer. We are really looking forward to go there (even if there is quite a while till we arrive). Do you have any other restaurants to recommend? We will rent scooters an try to explore/try out most of A. Any local food we have to try while staying there?

@papamike, Popoaras only review on Tripadvisor is old, from 2006, and fairly brutal at that. I take it that the opinion isn't accurate?

Popoaras

I've heard decent reports about Popoara's. A lot depends on who is managing the place at the time, as family members often rotate in and out due to overseas trips. etc.

Also, consider the source. If one is a demanding traveler, very few places in the Cooks--or anywhere in the SP---will satisfy them.

Mike---Is Gina's Garden Cafe (inland behind the main town) still operating? If so, it has great food. But can have lots of mozzies as well, so bring repellent.

OP--If snorkeling, watch out for stonefish near the Lagoon Resort, and don't forget to bring reef shoes for any activity in the lagoon.

I'd recommend Cafe Tapuna for a nice evening meal too.
Don't be put off as from the road it sort of looks like a shed, but inside it is quite nice, with sand packed floors, gardens with torches burning, good food and of course an obligatory Cook islands cat or two wandering through the restaurant. One of the best meals we had on Aitutaki.

seaneendubh--My visit to Popoara's was unannounced and I inspected two of the units, the staff was helpful, the rooms were clean as reported in the new book. My first contact was by E-Mail, which was answered promptly with the information I requested. I am always skeptical of negative reviews on websites, they can be generated by competitors, relatives or people with impossible standards. As an author, my reviews are consistant, they may be subjective, but I compare all range of lodgings and report what I observe.

raro--I don't know if I am familiar with Gina's Garden Cafe, is it part of Gina's Lodge? I will look for it on my next trip to Aitutaki.

thanks Papa Mike - unfortunately I've dropped the Cook Islands from the itinery :( Getting to all my mates in Oz takes too much time to cut out a week on a paradisical beach.