Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Heading to the cook island and have a few (Easy questions)

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Cook Islands

Hi there,

I'm headed to the cook island with my boyfriend in a few weeks and had a few logistical questions and would love some advice.

1). Is it necessary or a good idea to rent a car? Typically I think renting a car can be a hassle, but if it'll help us have a more pleasant trip, I'm fine getting one. I don't think we want to go through the inconvenience of getting a local license for a scooter.

2). Is the day trip to Aitutaki sufficient? Normally I'd love to stay a night, but we only have 5 days in the cook islands and need to be efficient with the time. Is it better to stay a night - or spend more time in Rarotonga?

3). Can most activities be arranged once we're on the island or are we better off pre-arranging our itinerary?

4). I keep reading that internet is very expensive. What's my best option for internet access? I can bring an unlocked phone if that somehow helps.

5). Lastly, We're a same sex couple. Will that be an issue at all (i.e. holding hands in public, etc)?

THANK YOU in advance for your help.

I notice no one else has replied so here are a few answers,
1, Rarotonga has a very good bus service so a rental car is not really required.
2, We preferred Aitutaki to the main island but it depends what you are in to. We like snorkelling and found the main island to be inferior to Aitutaki.
3. Activities can be booked once there.
4. You can probably buy a Sim card for your phone and use that. Check on Google.
5. Not sure on that one but my sister did get abused for just being a tourist.

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Regarding question 5, you will not see Cook Islanders displaying public affection. Women are kissed on the cheek when greeted and men shake hands. Being a same sex couple won't be a big issue unless you flaunt it.

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Hi there,

I'm headed to the cook island with my boyfriend in a few weeks and had a few logistical questions and would love some advice.

1). Is it necessary or a good idea to rent a car? Typically I think renting a car can be a hassle, but if it'll help us have a more pleasant trip, I'm fine getting one. I don't think we want to go through the inconvenience of getting a local license for a scooter.

When I was there I used to go around with a bicycle, and sometimes by bus

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