Cook Islands, Tahiti, Samoa or Fiji?

I have a choice of stopping off in

• Cook islands

• Tahiti

• Samoa

• Fiji

On my way home from New Zealand back to Canada

which would you choose? The stopover will be in mid-july-ish, and probably for about 10-12 days.... posisbly longer

I'm leaning more towards the cook islands... would like a bit of a budget and do like variety.

I've never been to any south pacific island before... as i'm only allowed one stopover, would it be worth it to pick one of the places and then fly from there to another pacific island before heading back and heading home?

Thanks for your opinions!

I partially answered this question last week: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/message.jspa?messageID=15218489

However, since it is July and you've added Tahiti to the mix then I'd choose French Polynesia. I have not been to Fiji. Cooks are cheaper but July would be too cold for me. Scroll through the recent posts for a thread on Cook Islands weather.

If you are asking whether it's worth your while to stop on one island going and one returning, absolutely.

If you are asking whether you should also visit an outer island of wherever you are stopping, absolutely.

I would not recommend a sidetrip from one nation/territory to another. Spending more time exploring further in one will be far more rewarding. If you stop in the Cooks go to Aitutaki vs. flying over to Tahiti.

Silvanocat,

Thank you for your reply.

Hmnn.. not really after a cold holiday, so that wouldn't be very fun, however i do have in my head that i really want to go to the Cook islands.

what if i gave it a bit longer, say 3-4 weeks? Do you think then it would be ok go to two nations/ territories?

i just had my mind set on cooks, but don't want to go if it will be freezing.

btw, I checked out the Tahiti on a budget site..looks good!

If you want to visit another island group in your stop over you will be limited in your choices. From Fiji you have several options to explore - Vanuatu, New Caledonia, the Solomons ,etc - from Tahiti you can get to the Cooks and vice versa, although the flight schedule is only once or twice a week (someone correct me if I'm wrong). I do not know about Samoa but again I think you will be very limited in your options. With 3-4 weeks you could do 2 island groups, especially if you do not think you will get back that way again. Having been to all except Samoa, it is very difficult to suggest just one - they all have their special charms. Have a look at the FAQ at the top of the page and maybe it will give you a better idea of where you might like to go. But if you have always wanted to visit the Cooks then why not just go with your heart - it will definitely not be freezing!

Hi I've been to Tahiti and the Cook Islands several times, they each have their good points. Its easy to get around the CI as an English speaker and the prices are lower But FP is more exotic. I haven't been to the other countries so can't speak to them. For sure go with your heart to the Cooks. You would have time to stop off in Tahiti too. I suggest at least 2 islands in each country. Rarotonga and Aitutaki; Tahiti and Moorea.

Well, I wouldn't says it's "cold" in the Cooks in July! Yes, it's a little cooler at night, maybe 60-65F at 3am, but it can still be 75F during the daytime. Aitutaki, which is 160 miles north of Rarotonga, will be a few degrees warmer.

Tahiti will be a couple of degrees warmer than the Cooks, but it will still be cheaper in the Cooks. But definitely try to add Aitutaki, for its great lagoon, and add Atiu if you have maybe 12 days or more, as the culture is very interesting (not a swimming destination).