Airport transfers & opinion on accommodation

Hi!

Four of us are going to Raro & Aitutaki at the end of February.
An agency is offering accommodation on Raro at the Palm Grove and they are asking 28NZ$ per person for return airport transfers, so it would be a total of 112NZ$. How much does a taxi cost? I think it is a bit expensive, isn't it?

Also, I would like to ask if somebody has been to the Palm Grove and if is as good as it shown in the web site (good swimming, snorkeling and a great beach). And what about the Edgewater resort & spa? (another option

In Aitutaki we are looking at Tamanu Beach, which looks great, even it is a bit over our budget. Any recommendations on a cheaper (but as nice) place?

Thanks a lot,

pepita

We've stayed at Palm Grove & in my opinion it's in the best spot on the island for swimming & snorkeling. On the south of the island there is always a cool breeze & you won't have a problem with mosquitos. Having said that, we stayed in a beachfront bungalow which was just magic, the garden bungalows are on the other side of the road & don't get the breeze, but are still good value for the area.
I don't think you can compare Palm Grove with Edgewater, they are both completely different types of accomodation - Palm Grove is a self catering resort (ie their bungalows have kitchens) -but they do have a restaurant & Edgewater is more resort style accomodation.
I think that $28 per person is a bit much for your transfer - can't remember how much we paid, it was provided by Palm Grove. Why not send them an email & ask them how much they would charge you, in view of the fact that you're staying there.
Have fun it's a beautiful part of the world.

Your quote on airport transfers seems high unless it is both ways. A taxi should be in the vicinity of NZ$50-60.00 total for the four of you. Palm Grove is a wonderful spot, where as Edgewater is much larger, somewhat impersonal, with large three story buildings. I think you will prefer the smaller Palm Grove over the large resort.

Have a great trip!

Papa Mike

As a general rule, I avoid transfers provided by agents, and usually those from the hotel, unless free.
This is because
- they are generally expensive
- often not timely (need to wait around for others to clear customs)
- often stop at other places on the way to your hotel, thus delaying you
- less flexible
- often in a coach or minibus, rather than a car

For all the above, I tend to take a taxi, or sometimes hire car

I'd pick Palm Grove over the Edgewater, no contest. The latter is a big impersonal place, lagoon is usually quite shallow, rooms are basic unless you upgrade to the very expensive ones.

As to transfers: flights come in at weird hours. The people at Palm Grove either arrange the transfers with a regular driver, or do it themselves, not sure which. But it's RT for NZ$28, not one way. You might save a little by getting a taxi, but taxis are not always available at those odd arrival times, except by pre-arrangement. Also, the PG people know when the transfer will arrive at PG, and will be there to meet you. If you try to get a taxi and have to call one, or none shows up if you arrange it yourself in advance (that happens a lot) , etc etc., you will really be inconveniencing your hosts, who have to wait around for your arrival, even at 3am, 4am, etc. So, I'd just go for their transfer. Relaibility is rare in the Cooks, so it's worth a few bucks more, especially when you leave to catch your departing flight.

I agree with Raro on the price. We went there in November last year, and paid $15 NZD per person for the airport transfer. We arrived at 2am or something, so looking for taxis wasn't really what I wanted to do at that hour. If you arrive during the day you might be able to walk to the main road and catch one of the buses if you don't have too much to carry.

As for the accommodation, I didn't go to any of the places so I can't comment.

Enjoy your stay, Rarotonga is fantastic :-)
Ingi

The beach location of the Palm Grove can not be faulted. We stayed in a beach bungalow for a few nights in May 2006 and really loved the beach for swimming and snorkling. We weren't that impressed with the bungalow itself (a bit run down) and the staff didn't seem suited to working in the tourism industry. I think if you are a smoker and keen to drink at the bar every night they will probably be warmer towards you...

It's pretty cheap price wise for a bungalow right on the beach though so if you just focus on the location it's pretty good.
If I had to pick between the two I'd pick Palm Grove over Edgewater any day.