Surprise trip to Cooks

Hi,

I am trying to organise a last minute week trip to Cooks/Aitutaki on the 2nd week of August and would love your advices on the following:

• with the conections and all, we would have 5 full days/5 nights, which is more scenic and romantic: Rarotonga or Aitutaki?

• options of beach front bungalows which would cost between Aitutaki US$ 100/140 for two people - if that does exist in that paradise....

• we would be flying from new zealand, and as much as I relly on the air companies, do you think it's okay to get a flight that leaves on the same day (there is an option with Pacific Blue departuring 6.30 pm and getting there 00.30am local time, same day, let's say, 10th, and then conecting from rarotonga to Aitutaki on the same day, 10th at 18.30?

• if we take that option to go from raro to AItutaki, does anyone recommend a nice place to stay close to the airport and that will allow us to see a bit of Rarotonga? What to see in one day?

Many, many thanks!!! :-)

Aitutaki is more scenic& romantic - just my personal observations though.

Have a search around www.aitutaki-accommodations.com and www.aitutakitourism.com for beachfront accommodation within your price range.

Pacific Blue has been increasingly improving its timing/schedules so you should be OK for the 10th.

Better book with Aquarius opposite the airport on Raro pretty quickly, this is the closest accomm to the airport in Raro. You wont require a transfer, just walk across the main road. Take the public bus which stops at the RSA or flag it down outside Aquarius to go into Avarua township and beyond to visit the beaches - Muri etc.

If I choose to go to a beach which would be closest (In Raro)?

Thank you!

Nikao beach is approx 500 metres from the Aquarius hotel in Nikao. Walk from the hotel to the RSA clubrooms, and between this building and the gym (next to cafe) a small track will take you to the beach. Turn left and the beachfront opens to a swimming lagoon, clear of coral but shallow. Lots of fine white sand to chill under shady trees. 24 hour convenience store across the road from Parliament building.

Raoro or Aitutaki.... Aitutaki... it's not even close

Accommodation... Paradise Cove beachfront is NZ$140

Flight to Aitutaki.... Air Rarotonga about NZ$450 return maybe less if you get a special, check airraro.com

There's a motel right across the street from the airport so you can walk to the airport when you leave. I advise you to rent a car to take in the Raro sights.

If you go to Raro you'll be visiting a nice place in the South Pacific. If you go to Aititaki you'll have dreams of the place for the rest of your life. The only cure (temporary) is to return and visit as many of the CI islands as you have time and money to afford.

Aitutaki - Vaikoa beach unit is not too bad, I believe $150 enquire, mentioned Mauke from Canada

Thank you guys. In the end I had to go to Tonga, where he lives and we couldn't leave, but still it is in our dreams. Thanks!