New Caledonia or Cook Islands?

Hi everybody,

I am planning my honeymoon for October 2012 ... after a tour of Australia we were thinking to spend a week in some Pacific Island (our first time there). We love peace, nature, sea, hiking, snorkelling and kayaking. Our choice is for now on New Caledonia or Cook Islands (trying to avoid super-touristic places)... can you give us please some more suggestions so that we could choose between this two wonderful places?

Many thanks in advance!

It's a tough choice. I've not been to New Caledonia but I've been to the Cooks five times and spent at least a week on each of the islands in the southern group.

A Rarotonga/Aitutaki itinerary offers a classic SP experience with accommodations ranging from opulent resorts to backpacker hostels.

My idea of the perfect trip for a honeymoon would be 1/2 time on Aitutaki for lots of activity (kayaking, snorkeling, nightlife) and 1/2 time on Mauke for the peaceful, nature and seclusion part of your requirements.

You might go to Google World and explore the destinations. Be sure and turn on pictures or photos.

PM me if you want more info... I have lots of pics and info on the outer islands of the Cooks.

Can't comment with any authority of the NC vs Cook question but from what I've read (I am planning a trip to the region, including both places) if you want peace and seclusion not just on occaision but as matter of course, Rarotonga is probably not your best bet, so you would probably have to transfer to another island. Note that both Aitutaki and Raratonga are subject to cruise ship visits that can swamp the locals and island tourists alike. On New Caledonia (main island = Grand Terre) you can always drive or be driven to somewhere that isn't overrun by fellow tourists. It also depends on your budget ofcourse - there are a number of very exclusive but also expensive resorts that can offer you all the peace and seclusion you can afford to buy. Also, depending on which parts of Australia you are are visiting, you might also want to consider the Cocos Islands, perhaps combined with Christmas Island for some hiking...

We visited both in 2006 for about 10 days each and found them to be quite different. New Caledonia's main island is much larger - we only stayed in Noumea and did a 3 day trip to Ile de Pins. Noumea was interesting but had a European feel to it as opposed to the SP vibe we expected - Ile de Pins was beautiful with lovely beaches and some snorkeling and hiking. We found it to be more expensive than The Cooks and we also had problems with communication as our French was rather meager and on Ile de Pins English is hard to come by. Rarotonga is more compact and easier to get around - Aitutaki is also beautiful in the SP sense and easy to get around. The costs are cheaper here and interaction with locals easier. Snorkeling, kayaking and hiking are available. This was our second visit to the Cooks so I am a little bias but would recommend them over New Caledonia. Best wishes for a great honeymoon!

I stay on Rarotonga for extended periods, and the passengers from the cruise ships that anchor off the main harbour, don't affect me in anyway. Some of the passengers go into the stores in town to browse or have a cold drink, and most passengers take a tour of the island in some form (charter or hire car), but I can honestly say the influx of people onto the island is not dramatic.

Rarotonga is a good base for further exploration of the Southern Cook Islands. But there are some lovely resorts, backpackers and private villas on this main island where you feel that you are the only ones alive. Depends on where you stay, and how much privacy/space you have around you.

Aitutaki is idyllic! Undoubtedly, it's lagoon is magnificent and its palette of blue shades is beyond belief. Being the Rarotonga of 30 years ago gives this island a huge advantage today. The daily flights arrive and passengers disperse into wonderful accommodation choices spread around the lagoon. Many of the beaches have white coral sands, and a swimmable lagoon in the main. There are some silty areas, but people go to those spots to fish. There are plenty of decent beach length to swim and snorkel. But the best parts for water-activities are out on the beautiful big lagoon.

Mauke is a wonderful island. Mangaia and Atiu are equally lovely. My pick is Mitiaro, but it's more difficult to reach having a very small resident population. Ironically, this particular island has had some new homestay accommodation built where visitors stay in new thatched island-style lodges which are fully self contained yet have a host family on the same property living in their own separate home.
Any of the outer islands mentioned are all super-non-touristy sites.

There is a direct air service between Sydnesy and Rarotonga, once week. Otherwise transit in Auckland on the other flights that depart Auckland with Virgin Australia or Air New Zealand.

I've been on Aitutaki on two occasions when tour ships arrive for a day. The impact was negligible on both occasions. Traffic was light because cruise ship passengers had to be ferried via RIBs from an offshore anchorage. Due to a shallow harbor Aitutaki cannot receive vessels drawing much more than a couple of meters. A feature I personally find attractive!