Itinerary suggestions for 4 weeks Cook Islands in Jan./ Feb.???

Hello!
Never asked this "itinerary question" for any destination we travelled so far before, but with the Cooks so out of the world and most likely the only trip for us out there i really would appreciate your help. We booked the flight for beg. January ( 4 weeks) and now we are trying to find an "effortable" itinerary. Any suggestions which islands with main interest in nature and culture, some sport ( snorkelling, hiking, kayaking), no party, hiring a scooter a day or two, perhaps finding a horse for riding at the beach, some days relaxing at a quite beach in a lovely beach hut would be highly appreciated and also how you would devide the time on those islands.
Thanks a lot for your help
Sandra

Edited by: kanyakumarin

The marvellous thing about the Cook Islands, besides its central Polynesian culture and scenic beauty, is the fact that Rarotonga has a nice spread of tourism development, Aitutaki's tourism focus is having a large and lovely lagoon to explore, snorkel and swim, and the remainder of the Southern Cook Islands are relatively unspoilt by tourism. Whereas the Northern group receive very few visitors at all due to their isolation. There is something for everyone across all 15 islands.

Our only domestic airline is Air Rarotonga www.airrarotonga.com. It's possible to purchase an island hopper pass. Start your 4 weeks on Rarotonga, the biggest island with its mix of accommodation and activities, then fly to Aitutaki (daily flights). Air Raro flies from Aitutaki to Atiu island (once per week in both directions). From Atiu island, it may be possible to fly to Mauke island, and on occassion to Mitiaro. You'd need to enaquire from Air Raro travel centre what's possible. Mangaia to the south-east of Rarotonga can be accessed from Rarotonga only.

What type of accommodation are you seeking on Rarotonga. Besides backpackers, motels, hotels, resorts there are many self-catering private rental villas & studios. Aitutaki has a smaller range compared to Raro of the same mix. Atiu has guest-houses and stand alone villas. Mauke and Mangaia have guest houses, s/ccottages, and also a new 8 villa s/c ort complex. Hire scooters on all the islands arranged through your hosts. Raro has several rental vehicle companies. 4 week stay? Suggest 5/7 nights Raro, followed by 7 nights Aitutaki at least, 3/4 on Atiu, 2/3 nights Mauke or Mitiaro (if you can get to either), 2/3 nights Mangaia, and remaining nights Raro.

For Raro try to separate locations; one at the start, and an alternative at the end. Aitutaki split your stay there also - One Foot motu has a very basic studio pole house for rent. Otherwise the main areas to stay are Amuri - Anaunga on the NW, or Ootu in the SE of Aitutaki island, together with the motu (Akaiami, One Foot & Maina). plenty of kayaking and snorkelling on Raro & Aitutaki! Horse riding is a bit of a non-starter since tourism arrived (a pardox I know), but may be possible on the less developed outer islands like Mauke, Mangaia or even Atiu. Beach huts on Aitutaki? Matriki, Amuri Sands, Paradise Cove! Raro? Mama Ru's,Raro Backpackers, Kings, Tiana's, Bella Beach, Napa Beachfront Hideaway, Muri Beach Cottages studio. There are plenty more choices - these off the top of my head. Plenty of places on Raro & Aitutaki for cheap eats, just ask locals! Have fun Sandra, the Cook Is is a safe, clean, beautiful paradise with friendly & very approachable locals. The sports matches are heaps of laughs too.

My wife and I have visited all of the southern island group. We find them to be very different from one another.

Topology is one difference. Aitutaki, Mitiaro and Mauke tend to be flat and easy to navigate by scooter, even when it's raining. Aitu is the most challenging on a scooter in the rainy season. It has a lot of hilly roads and they get slick and muddy when wet. Mangaia is OK if you stick to the coastal roads but the inland roads also get slick in the rain. Aitutaki has some hills with unpaved roads but they aren't very slippery when they are wet unless you hit some grass. Also be careful when pulling off onto to a grass shoulder when its wet. Mauke and Mitiaro are pretty flat and don't pose a challenge in the rainy season. BTW... Jan-Feb is in the rainy season. I've dumped scooters on every island, usually because I wasn't paying attention to slippery conditions.

The people are great any place in the Cook Islands. But each island has its own character and each is different. Raro is the most metropolitan and touristy. Aitutaki has a party atmosphere and a gorgeous lagoon. Aitu will give you an opportunity to learn more about Maori culture and history, (see Marshall Humphreys, Bird Man George, Man Unuia, Roger Malcom). On Mangaia Ter'e does the best cave tour and history talk I know of. On Mauke, our favorite island, see Ta & Teata for accommodation and tours. Their Okiva Point chalet is very nice. Mitiaro is a bit of a wild card and things always seem to be changing but it has the best fresh water swimming hole in the Southern Cook Islands.

Have fun!