Good things to do - Cook Islands

Hi Everyone

We are going to the Cook Islands in 2 weeks time with our 7 year old and 5 year old- We have never been to the Cook Islands before and do not know too much about them. We will be staying at the Raratonga Beach resort. We would love to get advice/suggestions on what activities we should do when there, places to eat, any market shopping etc.. Thanks

Snorkling, Sat Market in town. Have a wonderful trip! Your kids will love it.

Raro Safari Tour in a jeep could be fun for a family. Cultural Village as well, if the kids seem old enough to appreciate it.
Note: Sat market time in town is only 7am to 12 noon.

My son was 7 when he first did the snorkel thing with me. He went under water abd when he came up for the first time his eyes were as big as saucers .......................

Take advantage of the snorkel time ....................

my advice:
head to aitutaki as soon as possible for as long as possible.
it's a paradise: people are friendly lagoons are beautiful and safe
the main island is not that good

I have to agree with "unitedtravel"... Aitutaki is more laid back (if that's even possible!)
We spent 2 weeks there and we enjoyed every second of it!! We found lot's to do!
We spent one day in Raro (on our way back to Canada) and it was something to do, but only once for me.
Aitu is the place to be!

I stayed on Rarotonga for 2 weeks at Christmas. I loved the place. People are really nice. Some good dancing bars.

Saw your posting on Lonely Planet site. Am looking for accommodation for 3 to 4 months in the Cook Islands - remote island out of the tourist route. Any suggestions? Thanks.

michael

Try Reef To See for snorkelling trips outside the lagoon. Terry is the best!! Telephone 22212

#&---you can rent a house if you'll be there that long. But to save, I'd stay at a backpacker palce for 3 or so nights. During this time check out the specific rentals themselves. Some are dives, most are OK, some are nicer. Prices depend on closeness to the beach, facilities, etc. If you can rent directly from the owner, you'll save 20-25% as opposed to going through Jetsave Travel, etc.

#8--Not sure if Terry is still doing his Reef to See snorkeling. But if so, I agree it's a good tour to do.

Any suggestions as to which island to pick and where the most peaceful location would be?

Any of them except Raro or Aitutaki

#10--Well, if you'll be there 3-4 months, you have plenty of time to check out the outer islands like Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro and Mangaia. But these don't have a lagoon, so if you want the little hut on the beach type thing, you'll have to try Aitutaki or Rarotonga.

If you really want quiet, spend a lot of $$$ and head up to Manihiki n the Northern Group. Flights are pretty expensive, more than NZ to the Cooks!

Mauke is a nice peaceful place. Swimming is in some caves. Friendly people. check out Tiare Holiday Cottages.

Where are the best places to snorkel, on Raro? Is E-Coli a problem anywhere, or any place specifically? Must a traveler always used boiled water? How rainy is the weather from mid December to mid January?

Thanks for taking time to anser thesr questions.

Sunsnowwater

Kia Orana hub,

Rarotonga is great for familys and great for snorkeling as well... you are staying very close to one of the best snorkeling spots on the island - the aroa marine reserve.
this is the oldest marine reserve on the island and full of fish..
we have a range of ~130 different species of fish.
our shop is just 250 meters up the road and i am more than happy to explain all the different snorkel options here in rarotonga and give you as much advice as you will need.

we have also an education wall about the coral reef here so your kids can learn something about the ocean and the place they are snokeling in.
close to the rarotongan beach resort and spa is also the cocopat a small mini golf place... great food and great fun for the kids..
~1500 meters up the road you will find the aroa beach side in, beautiful setting for a cocktail on the beach or even a bbq on tuesdays and saturdays... the kids will love it because they can play on the beach while you enjoy your cocktail.
but as i said best is to pop into our shop and ask either for sabine, sascha, kelly or shaun... they all have the best local knowledge you will need.
have a wonderful holiday

kia manuia
sabine
The Dive Centre - The Big Fish
00682 20238

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