How much has changed?

We became addicted to the Cook Islands when we visited in 2006. If things work out, we'll be back for an extended visit in 2011. How much has changed on Rarotonga and Aitutaki since then? Thanks for your insight!

Regards,
Mark

Mark, that was when we were in the Cooks last so I can't help with latest information but I do recall that Papa Mike was there recently to update his guidebook. You might try sending him a PM - he was quite helpful to me when planning our trip to Palau. If you don't get a reply in a timely manner it might mean he is off somewhere so PM me and I'll get his e-mail for you from my Palau guidebook. Nice to see you back here - not too many of the regulars are around here these days.

My husband and i visited in 2001 and 2008, We noticed alot of changes in that time frame. It was alot more touristy than previously but not in a bad way, just more restaurants and shops. However the people are still as delightful and friendly as ever. In 2001 we never made the trip to Aitutaki however in 2008 we did. It was brilliant and we plan to head back again at the end of 2011 for a family reunion with my sister and her husband from the US meeting us there. I love the place and it is by far my favourtie destination in the pacific beating Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga by a country mile. I would visit every year if I could!

I am sure you will enjoy your journey there second time around!!!

SPJ

Edited by: SouthPacificJunky spelling

I appreciate the comments and am pleased to see some familiar names! Janice & I, in planning our original trip, contacted Papa Mike - and purchased his guide - and found his assistance very valuable, as was Raro's. In fact, I was left with an ongoing desire to attempt to get to some of the Northern Islands. Pukapuka, in particular.

Did that new, big resort on Rarotonga get built? Thanks and nice hearing from folks!

Mark

Hi Mark - great to see an old familiar name. I've still been lurking here, but haven't had the urge to post for ages. We've just booked our flights to Raro in September not having returned since 2003 - Air New Zealand are trialing a direct flight from Australia to Raro for 3 months, 1 day a week from August. We were also wondering if there had been many changes in that time. This time we've booked a private rental & are traveling with our daughter, her husband & our 3 grandchildren (who will be 4, 3 & 6months). We're not anticipating this trip will be as restful as our first, for 3 obvious reasons, but we are really looking forward to introducing our family to this very beautiful, hospitable part of the world.
I'll let you know how it shaped up after our return.
Hope you and Janice are keeping well & happy.
Fernsie.

Hello Fernsie! So nice to hear from you. Even with kids (and grandkids) in tow, I expect you'll have another wonderful experience. For our part, we'd like to expand our South Pacific experience to include time on Niue - to visit "Crossie" and his family - New Zealand and a full month in the Cook Islands. Once we find a suitable bank to rob, we'll be set!

I'm anxious to hear your impressions. Please, keep in touch! Thanks for you response.

Mark

Hi Mark, Since 2001 Rarotonga has changed considerably. There are many more dwellings, and new accomodation properties around the island. Shops, banking, dining, telecommunications, media, infrastructure have all been altered or introduced aligned with the growth in development. Lots of Cook islanders have migrated overseas, and we now have diverse nationalities filling the gap in employment and productivity. The roads are especially busy these days with bigger and faster vehicles, but fortunately the speed limit has decreased towards safety measures. The cost of a driving licence has gone up in Raro, to $20.00 minimum now, and we have a new Police HQ on the old site still in Avarua. Air Raro is still the only outer island airline. Prices for beachfront accommodation has increased along with increased demand. Tourism numbers have swelled to 100,000 people per annum, the airport terminal is currently being rebuilt, departure tax is now $55.00. Lots of former expats have returned home, but many new faces have arrived. Aitutaki has also changed, with many new lagoon operators to add to the mix, New accommodation properties on Aitutaki as well offering far better choice than 2001. Cellphone coverage on Aitutaki, 2 ATM's, improved range of goods including foods and wines. The lagoon is still magnificent. The roads got sealed, oh, and the mossies are still prevalent. You'll enjoy your return visit - except Sunday flights to Aitutaki are subject to protest, but I hope this minor upset won't stop you or anyone else from enjoying a visit to paradise. Ka kite, lagoon.

Kia Orana, lagoon!

Thanks for the updated info. As we were on Rarotonga in 2006, we've seen some of the new buildings. We're also familiar with some of the changes you've noted regarding Aitutaki. Prices have gone up, though! No difference on the Sunday flight issue. I think that we can work around it, however, as paradise is worth it, wouldn't you say? Take care.

Mark

My wife and I were on Aitutaki, Aitu, Mauke & Mitiaro in 2008. Previous trips were 2003, 2005 & 2006.

Raro gets busier every year. I rent a car in Raro and don't ride a scooter there any more. Aitutaki has three times as many cars as they did in 2005 and there are more lodging choices.

We'll still go back to Aitutaki next visit but prefer the quieter islands of Mauke, Aitu and Mangia now. Raro is nice for the Saturday market and the fact that you have to land there to see the rest of the Cooks.

Summary... Raro & Aitutaki has changed a lot. I see hardly any changes on the others.

" the airport terminal is currently being rebuilt "

What changes can we expect to the terminal. Something more tradittional ?

I was in the Cooks in 2006. I'm going back in August / September. Looking very much forward to it. The people are wonderful.

Edited by: Mortyman

Hi Mortyman,

The terminal compliments the existing checkin/domestic terminal, upgraded about 3 years ago. New terminal under present construction has been enlarged, with roof raised to include office space, and better airflow. Expect wider selection duty-free upon entry, bigger space for existing duty-free operators in departures. Unfortunately the constuction work is a little behind schedule, constraints include. shipping, building supplies, financial, blame the weather too - all the usual in paradise! Ka kite, lagoon.

Apart from the lack of air conditioning, I thought the airport was "ok". It's nice to hear that some improvements are being made, though.

H2ooh - Does Air Rarotonga have regular flights to Mauke and Mangia? As I've noted, I have aspirations to see the Northern Group!

letterdude...

Air Raro has at least five flights a week to and from both Mangia and Mauke.

If you are jumping from one island to another, you might have to spend a nite in Raro. The logistical challenge is being able to come into Raro airport, get to a shop and make it back to the airport in time to catch an outbound flight to your next outlying island. We always seem to have something to pick up in Raro for ourselves or someone on the island we're headed to

The route from Raro-Aitu-Aitutaki-Raro or reverse will save you a few dollars if you want to include them in you intinerary.

We also want to see the Northern Group sometime in the next couple of years.

Thanks for the air info, H2ooh. It's already part of our thinking to include Aitu in our trip ( I was made aware of the option on our trip to Aitutaki) and look forward to it. While I've read about Mangia and Mauke and have seen very limited photos in the guides, it'd be great if anyone had some recent pics they might post.

Anyone? Thanks!

Mark

Mark...

I have tons of photos. Where would you like them posted?

Well...

How about the Cook Islands forum over at "Tripadvisor"? Unless you've got another suggestion...and, thanks!

Mark

Edited by: letterdude

TripAdvisor is a very active and informative forum nowadays. You'll find lots of old friends there, some not under the same names.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g294328-i2626-Cook_Islands.html

It's sad that LP went so downhill after the BBC bought them out and changed so many things.

Why, hello agingaquarian! Nice to "see" you again. I've already started exploring over at tripadvisor. As you've said, lots of familiar faces. And, while it's unfortunate that TT is not what it once was, as long as I find friendly, helpful folks...it's all ok!

All the best,
Mark

Letterdude...

I finally got Mauke & Mitiaro pics up over at the "Tripadvisor CI forum". It looks like they have a separate sub-forum for each island. The upload for Atiu cratered midway through the process. I try and get Atiu, Mangaia up too. I was limited to 10 pics each and will try and do more on a 2nd upload.

An update.. Aitutaki was hit by cylcone Pat two days ago and has been hit quite hard unfortunately. There is much devastation with many homes unroofed and up to 20 completely destroyed. Thankfully there were no major injuries sustained. It sounds like many of the tourist accommodations have sustained minor damage although I heard that the Rarotongan's Aitutaki resort lost their bar and restaurant. Last report said that power may be down for up to 6 wks, although many places have got generators operating. It's a sad time for Aitutaki and I know that they will appreciate the support of tourists in the months ahead as they rebuild their beautiful little island.

Jeaniej, could you put this information in a new post so it comes up at the top of the general Pacific branch, please? I was going to ask for inofrmation, until I checked your profile. However, this thread is too far down to get to to find the information for a casual browser..

Will do..