Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Injections needed and gluen free food availability in Rarotonga.

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

Hi everyone,
My fiance and I are travelling to the Cooks for our honeymoon in October, spending 7 nights in Raro and 3 in Aitutaki.
We're just wondering if we should take any medical precautions before heading over.
Also, my fiance requires a gluten free diet. I'm wondering if the supermarket on Raro stocks much gluten free food.
Any feedback would be most appreciated.
Thank you! :)

Edited by: beckany

My friend is gluten and dairy free. She had no problems taking stuff over to Raro with her, and was very surprised to find that the supermarket has a good selection of gluten free cereals, pasta, flours etc. Also a well-stocked fresh frut and meat aisle. You should have no problems.

No vaccinations required; you may want to make sure that you are up to date with things like tetanus, which you need anywhere. Mozzie repellant is a good idea.

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Hi there, Aitutaki is certainly the place to go for your honeymoon, it's beautiful and relaxing. I visited Raro and Aitutaki last June and I didn't take any extra precautions, it's a pretty safe place in my opinion. As for gluten free food, the big supermarkets should be no problem, but the smaller shops have very limited food. Oh and take some insect repellent, for those evenings sitting out. A great restaurant in Aitutaki is 'Tupuna's, the food is amazing, they sell a mud crab for 2 for a whopping NZ$59. I was there on my own, but I felt it was a really romantic place. Enjoy!

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