Traveling around South Pacific

bauhaus16:47 UTC16 Nov 2007

I am just starting to look into this as i will be in australia in january and i could have between 3 or 4 weeks to spare in February so i would love to visit some south pacific islands.

It looks like people are raving around here about Rarotonga. After googling for a bit i can see why.

how do you travel between the islands? boats? just flying? which ones would you visit if it's just 3 or 4 weeks in total? can you enjoy some of the cook islands in that time?

hollybell23:46 UTC16 Nov 2007

I think flying is the best and quickest! Aitutaki has the most wonderful lagoon ..Atiu caves but not many beaches. I also liked Mauke but Aitutaki wins first prize. Mitiaro is a bit like a pancake in the middle of the sea!! You'll have a great time in 3 to 4 weeks!!Enjoy

raro02:44 UTC17 Nov 2007

Flying is the only way to get around the Cooks, aside from erratice freighter service.

3 or 4 weeks is great, you can see most of the Southern Group. The Northern Group (Manihiki, etc.) is nice, but now the prices are way too high for most people.

Definitely hit Aitutaki, then Atiu/Mauke/Mitiaro (the three are near each other), and then Mangaia on a separate trip.

You can buy a multi-island ticket from Air Raro and save a bit.

Check www.ck for more info about the checks and links to most things.

Traveling around South Pacific Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Cook Islands
bauhaus16:47 UTC16 Nov 2007	I am just starting to look into this as i will be in australia in january and i could have between 3 or 4 weeks to spare in February so i would love to visit some south pacific islands. It looks like people are raving around here about Rarotonga. After googling for a bit i can see why. how do you travel between the islands? boats? just flying? which ones would you visit if it's just 3 or 4 weeks in total? can you enjoy some of the cook islands in that time?
hollybell23:46 UTC16 Nov 2007	I think flying is the best and quickest! Aitutaki has the most wonderful lagoon ..Atiu caves but not many beaches. I also liked Mauke but Aitutaki wins first prize. Mitiaro is a bit like a pancake in the middle of the sea!! You'll have a great time in 3 to 4 weeks!!Enjoy	1
raro02:44 UTC17 Nov 2007	Flying is the only way to get around the Cooks, aside from erratice freighter service. 3 or 4 weeks is great, you can see most of the Southern Group. The Northern Group (Manihiki, etc.) is nice, but now the prices are way too high for most people. Definitely hit Aitutaki, then Atiu/Mauke/Mitiaro (the three are near each other), and then Mangaia on a separate trip. You can buy a multi-island ticket from Air Raro and save a bit. Check www.ck for more info about the checks and links to most things.	2