Cook Islands Honeymoon

Rumor has it this is the place for Cook Island answers...
We are a young 30's couple planning our honeymoon for next April (coming from midwest US). I have researched the islands and planned on 7 nights in Rarotonga, 5 nights in Aitutaki; selected a couple of hotel options, etc.

Has anybody ever booked through the Costco travel packages? I would normally NEVER consider this - we are definitely a talk to the hotel directly, make our own arrangements type when we travel. However, comparing pricing, it seems like a really good price. We had a couple choices in Raro (Royale Takitumu maybe?), but the included Raro Beach Bungalows seem highly recommended. On Aitutaki, we had hoped for Etu Moana, but they have included Tamanu Beach. Now, I am waiting for my info from them to determine how much flexibility we have (maybe we can change hotels), but will the local hotels look down on us booking through a package? Based on my prelim estimations, this might save us around $1200-$1500.

So, for two independant travellers, is the idea of booking a package crazy? Will we not be treated as well for not booking directly through the hotels?

Thanks so much for your help!

Hello Abygee,

I really would have no negative concerns about booking with Costco Travel, the bottom line is cost, if you can save money, go for it. Travel consolidators buy tickets at reduced prices and Costco works on a very small mark up. You will fly the same Air New Zealand flight and be treated to the same service at your lodging. Many New Zealanders travel to the Cooks on packages, there will be no stigma attached. My guidebook mentions Costco, you may also want to check into Sunspots and be sure to check the Internet specials at Air New Zealand.

I am sure you will love Rarotonga and Aitutaki, have a great honeymoon!

Papa Mike
[http://www.mikehollywood.com]

Thanks so much for the response! We will def. price everything out and see what works best then.
The more I look, the more excited I get!

You might want to check out The Cook Islands forum at tripadvisor.com if you have not already done so - they have a fairly active board. You will not be disappointed in choosing The Cook Islands for your honeymoon.

I can't vouch for Costco Travel at all, but working as a professional travel agent in Canada I do know that I often can work out better pricing using my wholesalers and consolidators than what can be found booking directly with the hotels and airlines. The most important thing is to work with an agent that you trust and knows what they are doing. If you think you are going to be making changes, then confirm any cancellation and change penalties. Sometimes the packages have better prices but are more restrictive. Usually this isn't a problem though for a vacation or honeymoon.

As for the hotels you are looking I have seen them all, but have not stayed at them. I would highly recommend the Royale Takitumu - it is a great property, excellent service and the owner himself is a very nice guy who takes great pride in his property and how his guests are treated.

Make sure when you are in Aitutaki that you do a full day trip out on the lagoon and over to One Foot Island. Aitutaki is a beautiful island....the lagoon is absolutely incredible and I cringe when I hear that people were there and didn't get out on a boat to explore the lagoon! It is a must do. I'd also recommend doing the walk to the summit of Maungapu for the incredible views of the island. It is about a half hour walk and quite easy that starts opposite Paradise Cove.

I am sure you have seen lots of pictures already but you can find my commentary and photos on my website www.livingadream.ca when I was travelling around the world for a year.

Hope this helps and enjoy!! They are beautiful islands with great locals!!

Cheers,
Carl

www.carlhenderson.ca

Thanks so much everybody! I did go check out the tripadvisor forums, lots of good info there too!

And, Carl, thanks for the agent advice. We are definitely planning on taking a lagoon cruise and venturing over to One Foot Island. The hikes sound great too, I can't wait to explore everything. We tend to go wander around and see what we can find when we travel (with frequent beer & cocktail breaks along the way), so this sounds great. P.S. I completely stalked your travel journal and pics - they were wonderful! Looks like you two had an amazing trip together!!

After living in the Cooks for 12 yrs, and 2 guidebooks later, let me suggest you try to book the accommoations directly via e-mail. Most places are hurting now due to the economic downturn, and many will---or always have---given a huge discoutn for direct bookings, as they save the 10-30% in fees they have to pay wholesalers and/or agents. The total cost doing it this way will probably be less than a Costco package, but check out the figures. Also, it lets you pick and choose exactly what you want for accommodations.

Royale Takitumu is a great place. Also check out Sokala Villas at Muri Beach, even nicer.

On Aitutaki, Etu Moana is probably the best. But if you are a little adventurous, consider staying at the two-story house on One-Foot for one or two nights. They drop you off in the morning, pick you up in the afternoon on the day you leave. After 4pm or so you have the whole islet to yourselves!

Check out the independent website www.ck and follow the links for Aitutaki etc.

I agree with what Raro has to say, the bottom line is the bottom line, spend some time on the Internet and save some money, be it through Costco or dealing direct with lodgings. Incidently, with the current exchange rate on the New Zealand Dollar, you should be making plans to visit the islands, nearly 2 to 1 NZ$ for US$.

Papa Mike

Hi guys,

Here's an awesome site for Aitutaki accommodations, tours, etc. [http://www.aitutaki-accommodations.com] It also has a map with all the resorts located on it as well as one of the lagoon.

Also, One Foot Island is a beautiful beach but the area around Maina is where all the best snorkeling is.

I live on the island, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

Cheers,
Kristene

p.s. Hey, Papa Mike, where can I buy your updated guidebook online?

Thanks so much everyone, just wanted to follow up. We have priced everything out, and it actually ended up about equal once emails were sent out, etc. So we have decided to book ourselves to provide a bit more flexibility.

We plan on staying at Heliconia Hideaway Villa in Rarotonga, and hopefully Are Tamanu (the new part) in Aitutaki (we had Villa 5 at Etu Moana, and in the 2 days we took to respond and confirm it booked, ugh!!).

Thank you again for the responses!

Hi Kristene,

Per your p.s. Amazon has the new Cook Islands Book, be sure and specify "second edition"

Papa Mike

Stayed at Tamanu in May.. it was devine.. so were the hosts... you'll love every moment!! Ensure you give Dwayne the resident ginger cat a pat for me!

I'm looking for a May booking - if they're already booked for April... yikes, sending email right now :)

#12---Don't worry too much. April is often booked up in the Cooks due to school holidays in New Zealand. May is traditionally one of the slowest months in the Cooks, Good luck, but you probably won't need it. Having said that, it's still a good rule to book way in advance in the Cooks if there is a particular place you really want to stay at.

Same goes for Air Raro flights. Book in advance if your plans are pretty firm.

thanks Raro - just got an email saying the villa I wanted is booked. Looking to change dates as I'm pretty flexible.

I have to say this thread looks like one of the friendliest threads on TT so here's tipping my hat at all the contributers here.

Seaneendubh---you're welcome. Yes, this branch seems to be one of the more informative, and "civil" ones. I've gone on some of the others from time to time, and quickly got off due to such stupid, cynical and sarcastic responses I've seen.

Good to have that flexibility for your trip, and to get the place you really want. Have a good time, and let us know how things go.

I would also like to say thanks. We are planning on getting married on AItutaki in March and was interesting to read this thread.

We're now planning our honeymoon for June 2011 in the Cooks, and this older thread has been really helpful. It would be great to get your ideas about a possible itinerary for our trip that combines 3 or 4 islands over the course of 3 weeks. (Is that too long in the Cooks, by the way, for a couple of travelers who like their R&R in the sun but also need to stay active?)

Right now we're thinking about roughly 1 week on Raro, 1 week on Aitutaki, and 1 week on Atiu. We'd like a mix of diving/snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and beach time with a few things that are new for us like sport fishing and kiteboarding, for instance.

Thanks in advance for your ideas. Jonathan

Aitutaki 2009

Some of our wedding pictures from 2009.