Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Seeking Suggestions to make our Vacation the best it can be.

Howdy all from a tiny Mountain Town In Colorado!
I just made reservations for flights and Hotel rooms for Hubby and I to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary in September. We have been saving up and working a LOT of overtime for ten years to go to our Fantasy Islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki. We have never been so excited about traveling like this before and we would GREATLY appreciate advise from the Locals and Experts to make this the best experience in our life. Ok, so... We have bought books and studied the fascinating History of the Cook Islands and would love to experience the Culture so suggestions on which of the shows, villages, historical spots and museums would be a great help. We would like to know some favorite spots for locals where we can hangout and get to know them but, not be intruding. Perhaps a coffee shop or local hangout where they don't mind a few tourists. We love snorkeling and would like to try a scuba dive on both Islands so we could use advice on a good Dive Shop on both Islands that have beginner courses. We love Wildlife and I heard that they have Fruit Bats (Flying Foxes)living on Raro. Is there a location that we might come across them in the wild? Is there a reserve or zoo that they have a few on display? We are going there in September in hopes to spot the Humpback Whale. Is there a Captain or outfit that you can suggest that takes folks beyond the reef to observe these great creatures? We would love to experience the interior of the Island as well if anyone has a favorite Tour Company. I am leaning towards the one with ATVs. We prefer to use local folks that can share stories of their Heritage and Country whenever possible. Ohhhh. I could REALLY use help on this next request. We would like to renew our Wedding Vows and have searched everywhere. Most packages area quite expensive and although I see it has been done, I can't seem to find the company that does it. Ok... Here is our Fantasy Renew Vows Scenario. The bride arrives on a beach via "Vatu" (canoe) where her Groom awaits. We are met by a small group of Islanders or warriors. Perhaps drums or music? We renew our Vows under God. We are Christians and need a Minister or a man of God to do renewing. Oh...then we canoe off together. Ohhhh and Flower Leis. So, where do I start with this Fantasy? A Church? A Resort? or a Company? I can't find one. We are on a Budget but will spend a bit more for important things. We also are having a hard time deciding on the best Lagoon Tours on Aitutaki. We would love to include Foot Island, Honeymoon Island and Giant Clams on maybe two different tours? Also, my Hubby LOVES Sailboats so maybe two Companies that Sail beyond the reef? We love photography and video so your favorite places or views please. If it helps to include places that we are staying then here they are: The Rendezvous Villas, Tamanu Villas, and Royale Takitumu. We are open to any and all suggestions and like adventure and relaxing. Also, best place to buy Black Pearls, a Ukulele, Palau and a woman's hat for Church (CICC). Anything else? Thank you all for helping us Green Horns. Blessings to all.

It has been 6 and 9 years ago that I spent time in Rarotonga and Aitutaki so my memories are a bit fuzzy - I am on the road and don't have access to my notes and journal to accurately answer your questions. I would like to suggest (if you haven't already done so) that you visit the Cook Islands board at tripadvisor.com to post your questions - I found it very helpful when planning my trips. Researching the older posts should give you lots on information. One suggestion I would also like to make - just ask one or two questions at a time - it will make it easier for posters to respond to several smaller posts. You should be able to get more information about renewing vows from the posters there as it is a popular spot for wedding and honeymoon information. You have chosen a lovely place to renew your vows - good luck with all your planning!

Thank you so much for your kind response. I guess I was a bit excited and rambled on with the questions a bit. I will try Trip advisor as you suggested. I was hoping that if someone could answer just one of the questions then that would be of great help. I have read through many of the old posts and have taken notes. Thank you for taking time to give me wonderful suggestions. I greatly appreciate it. Blessings

Hi,

Firstly, congratulations on your anniversary! The Cooks are stunning and you're going to have a great time. We went late last year and it was one of my favourite places ever. We wrote a short guide which may be helpful. Alas, the hotels mentioned within are backpackery so you might want to upgrade to something worthy of celebration ; )

Hope it helps.

Kia, Atlas and Boots

Hi Tambam, you have asked a lot. For renewing your vows on Aitutaki contact Annie Bishop at bishopcruz@aitutaki.net.ck She should be able to help you.
For a cultural experience on Aitutaki I would recommend the Punarei Culture Tour. It's gotten very good reviews.
All of the lagoon tours on Aitutaki do a good job. For a private charter look at Black Pearl and Slice of Heaven.
Good luck with your planning.

WOW! I LOVED your guidebook! It was just wonderful. Thank you for all the very wonderful information. I really so appreciate the time you gave me. Blessings, Tambam

Hi Tambam, you have asked a lot. For renewing your vows on Aitutaki contact Annie Bishop at bishopcruz@aitutaki.net.ck She should be able to help you.
For a cultural experience on Aitutaki I would recommend the Punarei Culture Tour. It's gotten very good reviews.
All of the lagoon tours on Aitutaki do a good job. For a private charter look at Black Pearl and Slice of Heaven.
Good luck with your planning

Thank you so much for your kind and patient Answers. I reread my questions and you guys were so right! Way too excited with way too many questions! Yet, you still answered a lot of them and I SO appreciate it. I wrote down all of the info and even booked a few tours. I am very grateful that you took the time to answer so many questions. Thank you very much. Blessings, Tambam

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