Raro-Aitutaki-Aitu-Raro itinerary

Hello!

I've been reading some of the great posts on this site and planning a three-week trip to the Cooks in November. Because we're really keen on visiting Aitutaki and Atiu as well, and the flights between the latter islands only departs on a Wed., we've thinking of breaking down our time like this:

Rarotonga - 4 days
Aitutaki - 5 days
Atiu - 8 days
Raro - 3 days

Does this make sense? I've read that there is tons to do on Atiu, but while stunning, Aitutaki mostly offers lagoon-based activities, such as kayaking, snorkelling and relaxing (can't wait to do lots of all three!). Is 8 days on Atiu too long? We plan to explore the caves, do some hiking etc. Should we add an extra day on to Aitutaki instead? Or an extra day in Raro? Seems like lots to do there; not interested in the party scene, though. Love the idea of exploring the island on a bike, taking it slow, maybe doing the Cross Island Track.

Thanks!

I spent three days on Aitutaki and five days on Atiu and I thought both stays were about the right length.
I take it that you are at least two people traveling, yes?
The tours on Atiu are very interesting but sometimes require more than two people, so having a couple of days extra may be a good idea since you may not be able to do the tours exactly when you want to because there aren't enough tourists who want to do the tours.
Aitutaki 5 days in November - make sure to bring LOTS of mosquito repellent! Contact Matriki beach huts to go on a snorkeling tour outside the reef. Fred & Kristine won't be there in November, but I believe the owner (Mathias?) who's gonna run the place, will also offer the snorkeling tours outside the reef.

Hi Spooner,

Hard to say how many days is right for any particular person, but I would agree with Traveling Swede that three days on Aitutaki and five on Atiu are about right. You may wish to stay a little longer at the end of your trip in Raro. Try the Highlands Tour or Raro Safari Tour. Visit the museum or lay on the beach with a good book. Also many more restaurants in Raro than either Atiu or Aitutaki.

Have a great trip!

Papa Mike

Spend more on Aitutaki and less on Atiu - 50/50. Atiu has a haunting & untouched beauty. But you can't beat the magnificence of the Aitutaki lagoon.

Thanks for the input everyone. We have three weeks, so we have actually made some adjustments with 4 days in Rarotonga followed by five days in Aitutaki, six on Atiu and back to Rarotonga for the remaining five days. Really, I guess we can't go wrong in paradise. The first few days in Raro will give us time for a bit of exploration, and we can be as active or lazy as we want on our last days. Thanks for the tips.

And suggestions on "must sees"? We like to be active and enjoy flora, fauna, culture, good food, beaches. What tours would you recommend - and what to avoid? Are "island nights" very touristy? Been Fiji and enjoyed the dances etc., but it was very commercialized, not unlike a Hawaii luau.

Thanks again!

Atiu coffee plantation tour is very long-winded!! Any of the Atiu eco-tours by the Humphries family are good - caves and swifts is a hike over sharp coral rocks but very worthwhile. Birdman George is knowledgeable and he will go the extra length to ensure you enjoy birdwatching/spotting. Hire a scooter and do the beaches and bays yourself.

Aitutaki has several island nites - Tamanu Resort fire-dancing show is spectacular, and fairly casual. Pacific Resort is aimed more at their guests and the overall dining experience. Shows have become more commercialised over the years - only at a local gathering/social event will you be greeted by authentic or impromptu island entertainment.

Atiu coffee plantation tour is very long-winded!! Any of the Atiu eco-tours by the Humphries family are good - caves and swifts is a hike over sharp coral rocks but very worthwhile. Birdman George is knowledgeable and he will go the extra length to ensure you enjoy birdwatching/spotting. Hire a scooter and do the beaches and bays yourself.

Aitutaki has several island nites - Tamanu Resort fire-dancing show is spectacular, and fairly casual. Pacific Resort is aimed more at their guests and the overall dining experience. Shows have become more commercialised over the years - only at a local gathering/social event will you be greeted by authentic or impromptu island entertainment.