Aitutaki February

sandpitlad18:29 UTC09 Aug 2009

Hi everyone,, the airline tickets to Raro are booked, the Air Raro tickets to Aitutaki are booked, now where to stay. There are 3 of us travelling together but are at a stage in our lives we're happy to pay the extra and have our own bunglaows each. Read some stuff about Paradise Cove and Matiki but would love the lowdown from previous travellers. We're there to hang, eat, drink, swim, smoke, fish and dive. Your frank suggestions appreciated............

lagoon15:18 UTC14 Aug 2009

Matriki is rustic with basic but clean facilities. Situated right on Amuri beach next door to Tamanu Resort for meals, and closer to town centre for groceries, and ATMs etc. Current managers can take you diving to good sites - but they depart the island early October.

Paradise Cove beach huts have more facilities - better bathrooms and more space in the individual units - basic but adequate cooking equipment. Located next to a licenced cafe - further north from town centre than Matriki - same beach. Two main dive operators on island - both will transport guests to the wharf.

If you dont mind being further north along Amuri beach, than PC, but closer to deeper lagoon water, also fairly handy to Neil Mitchell, the well-regarded dive operator, then Aitutaki Seaside Lodges would be ideal - only 3 units on entire beachfront setting. Very private location, need to hire scooters - but then you would need these if staying at Matriki or PC anyway.

Ranginui's Retreat at O'otu would also be ideal. Glorious lagoon setting - 4 nearby eateries (3 licenced) - Ranginui's does a lagoon-taxi service and scooter hire. Not far from airport, and where Neil (dive operator) is located.

yllek11:07 UTC03 Sep 2009

Hi there, I visited Raro and Aitutaki last June and I stayed at Paradise Cove, it was a lovely place to stay, the beach huts are really nice, with all facilities, a single is NZ$45, double $60. Private rooms are cheaper, with shared facilities, and bungalows cost more $160. It's a great location, accessible to fishing, restaurants. I'd say a must is 'Tupuna's restaurant' the food is amazing, they sell a huge mud crab for $59. and the island night at Tamanu is god fun, great food, and a good dancing show! I loved this location, the view is just amazing, it is located next to white sandy beaches, and turquiose waters, lovely for swimming, and the staff are very friendly and helpful, they will pick you up from the airport if you let them know beforehand. Hope this is helpful! Enjoy!

ianandwendy23:52 UTC13 Sep 2009

Hello! I hope this reaches you in time! We wound up staying at Matriki huts since there was literally no where else that had room. That should have told us something. But we were desperate since we had already booked the flight and EVERYTHING was sold out - cause we managed to arrange to go there while Survivor was filming there! It was more basic than I would have liked - particularly having to walk outside to the bathroom wasn't all that pleasant in the middle of the night with the mosquitoes. And there were lots of them. In the shower, too, since that wasn't screened in. On the plus side, Aitutaki is gorgeous and the huts are on a beautiful stretch of beach.

Our blog about our stay at Matriki huts

Have a great trip!

Wendy Sewell
Our photos from our trips around the world

clubfred05:03 UTC07 Nov 2009

A quick reply to Wendy's review of Matriki. I think it's important to note that Wendy's visit was in 2006. My husband, Fred, and I took over as managers of Matriki in 2007 and worked there for two years, (our contract finished on Oct1, 2009). During that time, we made a lot of changes, (including a complete rebuild of the outdoor toilet). You can read guest reviews on Trip Advisor to get a more accurate review of the property as it currently stands. Though we no longer have any affiliation with Matriki, I think it's important for travelers to have updated information.

As an aside, the LP writers for the Cook Islands guide did visit Matriki but spent less than 5 minutes there and never saw the inside of any of the huts. I highly recommend Papa Mike's Cook Islands Handbook for anyone wanting indepth and current information on the area.

Cheers
Kristene

Aitutaki February Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Cook Islands
sandpitlad18:29 UTC09 Aug 2009	Hi everyone,, the airline tickets to Raro are booked, the Air Raro tickets to Aitutaki are booked, now where to stay. There are 3 of us travelling together but are at a stage in our lives we're happy to pay the extra and have our own bunglaows each. Read some stuff about Paradise Cove and Matiki but would love the lowdown from previous travellers. We're there to hang, eat, drink, swim, smoke, fish and dive. Your frank suggestions appreciated............
lagoon15:18 UTC14 Aug 2009	Matriki is rustic with basic but clean facilities. Situated right on Amuri beach next door to Tamanu Resort for meals, and closer to town centre for groceries, and ATMs etc. Current managers can take you diving to good sites - but they depart the island early October. Paradise Cove beach huts have more facilities - better bathrooms and more space in the individual units - basic but adequate cooking equipment. Located next to a licenced cafe - further north from town centre than Matriki - same beach. Two main dive operators on island - both will transport guests to the wharf. If you dont mind being further north along Amuri beach, than PC, but closer to deeper lagoon water, also fairly handy to Neil Mitchell, the well-regarded dive operator, then Aitutaki Seaside Lodges would be ideal - only 3 units on entire beachfront setting. Very private location, need to hire scooters - but then you would need these if staying at Matriki or PC anyway. Ranginui's Retreat at O'otu would also be ideal. Glorious lagoon setting - 4 nearby eateries (3 licenced) - Ranginui's does a lagoon-taxi service and scooter hire. Not far from airport, and where Neil (dive operator) is located.	1
yllek11:07 UTC03 Sep 2009	Hi there, I visited Raro and Aitutaki last June and I stayed at Paradise Cove, it was a lovely place to stay, the beach huts are really nice, with all facilities, a single is NZ$45, double $60. Private rooms are cheaper, with shared facilities, and bungalows cost more $160. It's a great location, accessible to fishing, restaurants. I'd say a must is 'Tupuna's restaurant' the food is amazing, they sell a huge mud crab for $59. and the island night at Tamanu is god fun, great food, and a good dancing show! I loved this location, the view is just amazing, it is located next to white sandy beaches, and turquiose waters, lovely for swimming, and the staff are very friendly and helpful, they will pick you up from the airport if you let them know beforehand. Hope this is helpful! Enjoy!	2
ianandwendy23:52 UTC13 Sep 2009	Hello! I hope this reaches you in time! We wound up staying at Matriki huts since there was literally no where else that had room. That should have told us something. But we were desperate since we had already booked the flight and EVERYTHING was sold out - cause we managed to arrange to go there while Survivor was filming there! It was more basic than I would have liked - particularly having to walk outside to the bathroom wasn't all that pleasant in the middle of the night with the mosquitoes. And there were lots of them. In the shower, too, since that wasn't screened in. On the plus side, Aitutaki is gorgeous and the huts are on a beautiful stretch of beach. Our blog about our stay at Matriki huts Have a great trip! Wendy Sewell Our photos from our trips around the world	3
clubfred05:03 UTC07 Nov 2009	A quick reply to Wendy's review of Matriki. I think it's important to note that Wendy's visit was in 2006. My husband, Fred, and I took over as managers of Matriki in 2007 and worked there for two years, (our contract finished on Oct1, 2009). During that time, we made a lot of changes, (including a complete rebuild of the outdoor toilet). You can read guest reviews on Trip Advisor to get a more accurate review of the property as it currently stands. Though we no longer have any affiliation with Matriki, I think it's important for travelers to have updated information. As an aside, the LP writers for the Cook Islands guide did visit Matriki but spent less than 5 minutes there and never saw the inside of any of the huts. I highly recommend Papa Mike's Cook Islands Handbook for anyone wanting indepth and current information on the area. Cheers Kristene	4