Fiji, Cook Islands, Vanuatu or Samoa?

Hey there,

We are two people who want to spend a week in one of the above mentioned islands. As we haven't been to any of them, we wanted to ask for some helpful advice.

We are currently in NZ and found some cheap flight deals for the end of November to these islands. We both will be happy with cheap accomodation. The most important criteria would be: The option of diving (not to expensive), good/cheap ways to get around (maybe also to other small islands), eventually surfing and scenic beaches...

Would be awesome if anybody could help us...cheers

Edited by: Nanoteilchen

Edited by: Nanoteilchen

The Cooks are my favorite. Try a flight thru to Aitutaki and split the time between there and Rarotonga. Diving on both islands but no real surfing on either island. Aitutaki has a lagoon to die for. I've not been to Vanuatu.

Just to add to the Cook Islands suggestion by H200h, if you book your flights with Air NZ to the Cook Islands, you have the option of booking through to Aitutaki with this airline at a good price. Not sure if VA do likewise. Otherwise you can buy a package to Aitutaki on Raro, with airfares, transfers and accommodation included.

For accommodation on Rarotonga, a couple of very inexpensive places to stay include International Backpackers in Kavera (near The Big Fish Dive Centre), Are Renga in Arorangi (not far from 2 dive centres) or Tiare Village in Nikao which is close to surfing spots at Nikao Beach. Either take the local bus services on Raro to reach the various beaches or hire a scooter, which is what a number of surfers do to carry their boards. No public buses on Aitutaki.

On Aitutaki, Josie's Beach-lodge in Ootu and Tom's Guest-house in Amuri are among the cheapest. The lagoon and beaches on Aitutaki are especially scenic. Yet the beaches around Rarotonga are fabulous also, just not as beautiful/stunning as Aitutaki's famed lagoon area.

Plenty of shops around Rarotonga to buy food and groceries. Buy local produce at the small stalls or Saturday market. Take some foods from Raro to Aitutaki, as there is more limited access to food stores - especially if staying in Ootu and you plan to self-cater much of the time. Fresh deepsea fish is available, on Raro fresh tuna starts at $6.50 kilo. The morning market on Aitutaki from Monday to Saturday stocks a good range of local produce, filled rolls & baking, and fresh whole fish.

Edited by: lagoon