Cook Islands in November

Hey everyone-
Thinking of planning a trip to the Cook Islands in November. Is that a good time of year to go?

Also, thinking of going for 10-14 days, spending 2-3 days each in Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu and Mangaid. Is that realistic? I want to relax on the beach some for sure.

Considering Mitiaro and Northern Group depending on time and funds.Haven't read much on these.

Rarotonga - Aitutaki - Atiu would be simple to plan, just purchase a 3 island hop aboard Air Raro and which can be booked with a local travel agent once you arrive into Rarotonga. Or, email Island Hopper Vacations or Jetsave travel for quotes and their recommendations for accommodation selection. Mangaia only has a direct air service from Raro, and accommodation choices are low but increasing. Mitiaro can be combined with a visit to Atiu, since Im fairly sure that flights to this group will include a Mitiaro sector. When I visited Mitiaro as my primary destiantion, I flew to Atiu first, followed by Mauke on return to Raro from Mitiaro.

If you can plan it right, you might be able to visit Mitiaro, then return to Atiu before heading over to Aitutaki. Leave Aitutaki til last if this is the case, so you can really relax on a beautiful beach before returning to Raro. Northern group - Manihiki tour? There is a special tour heading up north later this year. The cost isnt cheap though. Island Hopper for sure, and perhaps jetsave will knwo more details, so it would be a good idea to get them to quote you on the island-hopper options for the Southern group travel.

November is a good time to go to the Cooks.

But with the inter-island fares as expensive as they are you may want to spend more than 2-3 days on each island.

The Raro-Aitu-Aitutaki-Raro loop is a good choice for two reasons; #1 - The price is less because you can go from Aitu to Aitutaki (or Aititaki to Aitu) and that saves money... #2 - Those three islands are quite different from one another in terrain, activities and culture.

Mangai is similar in many ways to Aitu. For a little more diversity I'd suggest Mauke or Mitiaro as a fourth island to visit. Aside from the Aitu-Aitutaki link all Air Rarotonga flights to the islands of the southern group on Air Raro are to and from Rarotonga.

Fantastic! Thanks for the advice!!