Fiji vs Cook Islands

First world problem I know, Fiji vs Cook Islands, or most accurately Nadi vs Rarotonga. I'm flying out of Toronto on August 30th with air New Zealand, my final destination being Auckland. I've decided to use the stopover feature, and go to one of the islands for a week, it only adds $100-$255 CAD to my ticket price. Now I just don't know which one to pick. Ultimately I'm just looking for some awesome beaches, warm ocean with good snorkelling and good food. I know the Cook Islands will be a little bit cooler than Fiji, but my how much? It also seems that Fiji has more of a worn backpacker/budget traveller trail. I think I'm worried that while the Cook Islands are a bit cheaper flight, I'll pay way more once I'm there.
Thoughts/ideas/ suggestions please.

J

I f you are just going to stay in either Nadi or Raratonga my pick would be Raratonga for snorkelling but there is much better snorkelling in Fiji if you go to one of the islands. There is none around Nadi itself.
I don't think there is a huge difference really in price or temperature in either.

If you stay one week you can go to one of the islands of the Yasawas in Fiji. My pick would be Octopus Resort on Waya Island. Affordable if you stay in a dorm (really good dorms there). The resort boat does a pick up from the airport (actually from the hotel across the road from the airport) and leaves twice a day from Vuda Marina (9 am and 2 pm, pick up an hour before that).

You'll be there in a couple of hours after arriving in Nadi, provided that your flight arrives in time for the pick up. Octopus has good snorkelling from the lovely and big beach, excellent food (meal plan is compulsory) and lots of activities to choose from. Good atmosphere as well, easy to meet people and a great staff. Check tripadvisor for more info, costs etc.

Rarotonga can be rainy in August, a least it was when I was there a couple of years ago, and was very crowded as well.

I found the water cooler in August in rarotonga than in Fiji, - also Fiji had cheaper options for accomm and food( - you can spend a lot in Fiji if you go to the expensive places ) raro everything is about the same price as NZ and the cheaper backpackers are a bit messy / run down because so many backpackers stop there they are always full
Fiji is bigger you just have to get out of Nadi and find some nice places .I like them both and visit each for a different experience rarotonga is maybe more of a 'lets take the family and stay in a holiday home' fiji is split between the resort travellers who mainly hang out in Denarau and Pacific harbour and backpackers who go to the islands and cruise around other parts of Viti levi and Venua levi.
but definitely I found the sea cold in rarotonga in august whereas in fiji while the outside temperature had dropped the sea was still warm

I would also agree with Fiji, with another vote for the Octopus Resort. You could also consider Mana Island - there are several backpacker places to consider - some great beaches and snorkeling - the food may be better at Octopus.

I vote for Fiji as well.

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