Cook Islands Family Trip (July 2015)

Hi Everyone,

Some advice from you …don't hold back.
Planning to travel to Cook Islands for 3 weeks in July 2015 with family (wife, 3 kids ages 10, 13 and 16).
Will arrive in Rarotonga from NYC via NZ.

Received a package which seems nice of visiting Rarotonga, Aitutaki, atiu, make, Mitiaro and then back to Rarotonga.

I will spend 3 nights in Atiu at Atiu Villas
4 nights in Aitutaku at Tamanu Beach resort
4 nights in Mauke at Ri's Retreat
3 nights in Mitiaro at Nukuroa Beach bungalows
5 nights in Rarotonga at Sunset Resort

Does this sound like a good plan?
Are accommodations good or should i book myself?
Any thoughts?

Regards,

Kai

Hello,

I just got back from the cook islands. Your rarotonga accomodations are in a poor location (no restaurants around, near the airport) . I would find accomodation in Muri Beach, if you can find a place that permits kids. While windy, that is the prettiest stretch of beach.

For Atiu, I think the Atiu Village is your only option with kids. Make sure you do the cave tours with Marshall Humphreys though.

Tamanu is near the lagoon in Aitutaki and I heard many good things from travellers staying there. One major word of caution--when you or yours kids go into the water in Aitutaki or in Rarotonga, please wear dive booties or water shoes. I got stung by a stonefish not far from where you are staying, and that was in stonefish low season. There are apparently many more stonefish in July. Those stings hurt, and my foot still isn't quite the same.

Hello Kai,

Seems like a busy schedule - but doable over 3 weeks. I assume you will fly Rarotonga - Aitutaki - Atiu and return to Rarotonga, before setting off again for Mitiaro and hopefully reach Mauke without having to return to Raro between the later 2 islands.

The Sunset Resort in Black Rock area is a lovely property. Far less busy area compared to Muri, and more sheltered for a July visit (from chilly SE wind). Check their adults only policy for your younger children's ages. But also, there are several great restaurants in close proximity to Sunset Resort including the one on-site. You can easily get to Muri and other beaches by local bus service or rental car.

Tamanu Beach occupies a lovely part of the Amuri beachfront. Onsite dining, and close to Pacific Resort, Tauono's organic garden-café and a takeaways just beyond PR. Suggest you include one of the s/c villas with kitchenette, in addition to a newer unit with separate bedroom.

Whether to book accommodation yourself, or purchase a package deal depends on what's being offered within the package. Have a look on the various websites for indicative prices, including last-minute rates being sold now for 2014 to see what accommodators are prepared to sell rooms at.