Atiu and Mangaia

We will be spending 2 weeks in the Cook Islands and as well as visiting Rarotonga and Aitutaki we really want to get off the beaten track and visit some of the other islands. Do you think 2 weeks would be enough time to visit Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu and Mangaia?

If I had to choose I think I'd rather choose Mangaia over Atiu as I think it gets less visitors, but then there is the cheap air pass that includes Atiu with a visit to Aitutaki and is therefore more affordable than Mangaia to visit.

Ma'uke also sounds great- would this be a better choice than Mangaia?

Any advice on visiting these lesser visited islands would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

In answer to your initial question, two weeks should be sufficent time to visit all four islands you propose. They all are in the southern group and if you take advantage of the Aitutaki/Atiu fare on Air Raro, you will not need to return to Rarotonga between flights except for the Mangaia flight. Having visited all four, I can assure you they all are worthwhile. Ideally, I would suggest three weeks, but they can be done in two weeks. I would suggest a few days at the start in Rarotonga, then either your Aitutaki/Atiu trip or the Mangaia trip. I would suggest a few days at the end also in Rarotonga. If you stay at the same lodgings in Raro, you may be able to leave some of your luggage with them while you visit the out islands. I am sure others will have specific things for you to do on each island, but I rented a scooter on both Atiu and Mangaia and took my time exploring both islands. Lots of caves to explore, the coffe plantation on Atiu, fishing, snorkeling. Not a lot of lodging options on Atiu or Mangaia. I stayed at Are Manuia gueshouse on Atiu, ate at Atiu Villas, which has great little cottages. On Mangaia I stayed at Babe's Place which was great and in the village. Aitutaki has lots of options depending on your budget, have a great trip.

Hello!

On Mangaia, You could also do the cross island trek. A beautiful and easy half day walk. Enjoy the faboulous tranquillity.
I can recommend the "other place" to stay, Ara Moana Bungalows This friendly place, run by a Swedish/Mangaian couple is close to the village of Ivirua and a beautiful small, secluded beach. (Not good for swimming, though)

My pics from Mangaia, Aitutaki and Rarotonga.

Regards
eflatjan
http://www.pbase.com/bolla49/root</a>

Hey Erin,

My wife and I loved Atiu. We have not been to Ma'uke or Mangaia, but if you go to Atiu, you will definetly feel like your off the beaten path. We saw one other couple during our 3 night stay (no tourist to be found). A great thing about Atiu is that the villages are all located in the center of the island, leaving the coastline deserted. Even though we stayed 3 nights, it was not enough time. Remember, if you only have 2 weeks - you don't want to spend too much time island hoping.
My Atiu review w/pictures is in the South Pacific FAQ - the first link in this forum
- - - - BB

I would say that it depends on what you like doing on a trip. If you want to see and experience the places you go to, four islands in two weeks is too much, but if you don't mind racing around then four islands in two weeks is okay. Totally depends on you. I have only been to Raro, Aitutaki and Atiu mind you so can't comment on anything else. Love both Raro and Aitutaki, twice spent a week on each, which was great. We like exploring and relaxing. Spend five days on Atiu, for three of these we were the only tourists on the island. It was an experience in itself really, it was really good because it was so different to the other two islands. Had a great time on all three really in our two trps over there.

But you asked for an opinon so I would suggest that you think about what you want from your trip. Me, I wouldn't try for so much in such a short time, but you might like to rush about. How much expoloring, adventures and relaxing do you want versus how much you want to spent travelling to and from airports and in the air itself. Do you want to enjoy yourself or do you want to say you've been there? That is up to you.