Fiji or Cook Islands

Two seniors but young at heart doing RTW trip january 2011 need advice.
Plan to go from Los Angeles to New Zealand but would like to stop over in either Fiji or Raratonga(Cook Islands) for 3-4 days.
Which is the best place to stop. We would be just chilling out no activities other than swim/snorkelling.
Also as the plane lands at about 5.15 am how do I go about booking a hotel for early arrivals as we would probably want to go to bed for a few hours on arrival, do hotels cater for early morning guests.
Need about 3 star type accommodation prefer to be near a beach.
Also can you give any ideas about cost of eating out.
Thank you

I'd choose Rarotonga-

I did that trip in 2007 and will be doing it again in October 2010

The best place I have found on the island are Sokala Villas right on the beach - if you don't like the accomodation try to stay around there on Muri Beach

I ahven't been to Fiji but I know they have had some politic unrest and every one I know that has ben there says its expensive.

Rar is not. The people are great - 2 buses go around the island no bus stops you just wave them down, you can rent scooters or a car but you MUST get a cook islands drivers license and those are only offered on certain days.

oh yes the hotels will arrange for transportation from the airport at rar anyway-

as far as food -

for sokala they had breakfast ceral and fresh fruit in the room for us with a little kitchette (no cooking) walking distance to the store where we grabbed sandwich stuff for lunches

dinners we spent $15 - $25 a piece we did spurlge one night and did their version of a luau at one of the upscale hotels and that was $70

Given what you are looking for, I would also suggest the Cook Islands. Look somewhere in the Muri Beach or Titikaveka area for accommodations as this area has nice beaches, the lagoon is wider and the swimming/snorkeling better. Somewhere like Manea Beach Hotel would give you the option of a kitchenette for self catering breakfast and lunch - food at the supermarkets will be about 25% more expensive on the whole. With flights arriving so early, I would imagine places have some way of accommodating guests who arrive early. I am not sure if complimentary pick up at the airport is provided by all places (we rented a house and had to pay for a taxi to get there). If you have to pay for early check in you might want to look at renting a car when you arrive(there was a place across the street from the airport) - that way you could explore, pick up supplies, etc. while waiting for check in - it could be cheaper as rentals were reasonable when we were there. I would also suggest you opt for A/C at that time of the year if you are bothered by heat and humidity. Have a look at tripadvisor for accommodation reviews.

I have to disagree with the above poster with regard to Fiji. There is no problem with visiting with regard to political unrest - we felt as safe there as anywhere and the costs were not any more expensive than the Cook Islands. The problem with suggesting Fiji for you would be getting to a nice beach area with snorkeling/swimming. You would really need to get to the smaller islands and that involves ferry transportation which will add to your costs. Although you would arrive early enough to catch the ferry(head across the street to the Raffles Hotel for shuttle bus pickup) to the islands. Some of the islands will have accommodations in your price range but the meal costs will be higher. Again, you could check out some of the reviews on tripadvisor for places to stay.

I hope this helps with your decision. If you need further information feel free to PM me. Good luck with your planning!

Hi

Because you've got such a short time available, I would definitely recommend Raro as everything is on your doorstep.

I think you'll find that most places will charge you an extra night for an early check-in, but for such an early arrival I think it may well be worth it after such a long flight. And with transfers most places do make a charge for them.

There are lots of resorts available - a copy you could look at would be Pacific Resort in Muri and the Rarotongan Beach Resort in Aroa. The former, though, may be a little over budget and the latter tends to be a family resort with lots of kids.

A smaller resort you might like to look at is Moana Sands. It's on a lovely beach in Tikioki/Titikaveka and has its own restaurant. Have a look at the link.

http://www.moanasands.co.ck/

There are lots of small, self-catering properties around the island but they may not be worth your while for such a short time.

I enjoy Fiji, but Raro is special to me - will be going on our 14th trip later this year. It's easy to get around - hire a car or use the great bus service. Lots of different restaurants to try (that's a disadvantage of Fiji where you can be stuck in a resort miles from anywhere unless you're in Denarau where the beaches are not good). Raro uses the NZ$ and most North Americans report that they find food prices reasonable due to their favourable exchange rate against our (NZ) dollar.

BTW I agree with the previous poster that there are no security problems for tourists in Fiji - just best to avoid Suva. But Raro is for me.

Hope this helps.

Edited by: agingaquarian

I would say Fiji as it is dear to my heart since it is my birth country. Yes hotels do cater for early arrivals as there is the Tokoriki Resort just across the street from the airport and transportation is not a problem as the hotel have their own shuttle. Food prices are reasonable and along with your accommodation, breakfast is included. Becoz it is a short stay swimming and snorkelling would be hard to do but could be arranged.