Cheapest accommodation & Food in Aitutaki?

Hello,

First of all, I have LP SP and Moon SP as guidebooks. These list various outdated prices for Aitutaki..

I checked one of the places which is listed as 50 NZD in the LP, and nowadays they charge 150 NZD!

Can I get up-to-date prices of Aitutaki just by multiplying the prices in the LP book by three times? Or is this just a single case?

Has anyone been there lately - What were the cheapest places to stay and eat when you were there?

All input will be greatly appreciated!

-J

Hi!
You can try the newest edition of LP SP (August 2009), which you can buy chapter by chapter online:
http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/Primary/Product/Pick_and_Mix_Chapters/Australia_the_Pacific_pnm/Pacific_pnm/PRD_DIG_305226/South<i>Pacific++Pick++Mix</i>Chapters.jsp?bmUID=1251655072134
There should be up-to-date prices.
And when I was on Aitutaki in 2007, the cheapest places to stay I found were for 18 NZD pp/n in dorms and 32 NZD in single rooms. I stayed in Tom's Beach Cottage (http://www.ck/aitutaki/tomsbeach/index.htm) in single for 32 NZD.
I plan to visit the Cooks in April 2010, but this time Aitutaki is not on my route.
If you'd like to know more about my stay on the Cooks in 2007 (Raro, Atiu and Aitutaki), feel free to ask.
Cheers
Artur

Edited by: arturpoz

I emailed Tom's BC, let's see what they reply.

Thanks for your reply, could you elaborate more on restaurants on Aitutaki?

And how well were the shops & markets stocked when you were there / would it be easy to self-cater?

Note that we are vegetarians.

-J

My info is old (i was there 13 years ago!) but as a travelling Vege i found it so much easier to cook for myself ,cheaper too, the stocks in the shops were limited mainly cans of peas carrotts etc with a few fresh locally grown root veggies.

Take curry powder and chilli sauce and you'll not go far wrong.

I found Tom's Beach Cottage as sufficient, although very basic, and there are definitely better places to stay in. However, the location is very good and the place has a 'flair' - it's an old house full of old pictures and keepsakes of the family. Mentioning 'good location' I mean: close to groceries and bars, close to the only one Internet Cafe on the island, close to bike hire shops and on the west coast, which means incredible sunsets.
Unfortunately I don't remember food and meals prices in shops and bars. But it's obvious that the cheapest option will be self-catering. There was a kitchen at Tom's, with basic equipment, but supplies in the groceries were very limited. The common (for us) fruits and vegetables like apples, potatoes, tomatoes etc. were quite expensive, however there was a choice of local "greens" that were cheaper. So, I'm afraid the self-catering for you as vegetarians won't be easy, but you'll surely manage it!

You can go to: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g294328-i2626-Cook_Islands.html and type 'vegetarian' in "Search in Cook Islands forums" box (it's directly under the "Plan the Perfect Trip" box) - you'll have several topics that will be interesting for you.

You can also read my detailed 2007-trip report here: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/message.jspa?messageID=13651898#13651898 and see my photos to have your "foretaste of heaven" ;-) here: http://public.fotki.com/arturpoz/cook-islands-2007/

Cheers
Artur

hi there, I travelled around the Cooks last June, and visited Aitutaki. I prefered it to Rarotonga, it was lovely and quiet with great beaches. I stayed at a place called Paradise Cove (www.paradisecove.co.ck;Arutanga;house) and it was great, you can have a single room for about NZ$35, double for $45, or a single beach hut for $45, double for $60. If you can stay in a beach hut, it isn't that much more and they are so nice, right on the beach too. and the guy who works there, Ron is really friendly, he picks you up from the airport, and helps you get around and find things to do. 'Tupuna's restaurant' is a must there, it is known for it's excellent food, and renowned for the huge mud crab, $59.. rather pricey! Someone from the restaurant will pick you up if you pre book. Island night at Tamanu is also lots of fun, great food, and dancing.Tauono's is also a sweet, 'slow' and lazy place to visit during the day, it's a bit hidden, afternoon tea is Mon, Weds, and Fri 3-5pm. GHope this is helpful, have a great time.

Paradise Cove beachfront cottages were priced at NZ$100 during past year, but now increased to NZ$125.00 per night. Enquire what their charges are for the rooms in their main guest-house are though - communal kitchen and bathroom areas, nice beachfront, licenced cafe next door. Tom's is in better location for surrounding facilities - small shops, banking, post, cafes and entertainment. Amuri Guesthouse is more upmarket, very handy location with shop next door, and Spiders internet/bar close by, beach across road. Sunny Beach, or Matriki beach-huts may suit. Best website is www.aitutaki-accommodations.com

Hello!

My husband and I visited Aitutaki three years ago and I am also vegetarian. I would second the vote for Tupuna Cafe although it isn't cheap it was well-worth the splurge. I had the vegetarian option which that night was a delicious eggplant stuffed with vegetables and cheese.

We stayed at Matriki Beach Huts which were inexpensive, but unfortunately we cannot recommend them.

Our Aitutaki blog
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Good luck and happy travels!

Wendy Sewell
[www.ianandwendy.com]