Rarotonga

My partner and I are looking at going to Rarotonga. Can anyone please tell me what a holiday in Rarotonga and its islands is like? Which islands are good to stay at? Where are some good places to stay and what is there to do in Rarotonga?

Cook Island vacation
A holiday in the Cook Islands is relaxing and uncomplicated. There are 15 islands, but only 6 are visited by tourists. The main island, Rarotonga, is small, only about 20 miles around. It's volcanic so there are beautiful mountains in the middle of the island and white sand beaches all around. The island is protected by a reef so there are no dangerous fish, sharks, etc. to worry about. There are also no dangerous plants, animals or insects on the islands.

There is currently no political strife in the Cooks, the inhabitants are peaceful, friendly and very hospitable to tourists. There is very little crime and not one building built higher than the tallest coconut tree.

There is a great cross-island hike on Rarotonga but you must go with a guide. It's quite difficult if you don't know where you're going. The trek takes pretty much a full day. Other than that, there's not a lot of hiking in the Cooks. However, if you go to some of the outer islands, there are great caves to explore.

The snorkeling on Rarotonga is superb between Muri Beach and the Fruits of Rarotonga. There is also some great snorkeling off of Black Rock Beach. Aitutaki offers some of the best snorkeling in the world as well as one of the worlds most beautiful lagoons.

The beaches are out of this world. Sometimes you won't see a soul for hours then occasionally a couple will wander by. The water is warm and the best beach for swimming is Muri Beach although I really liked Black Rock Beach. The island of Aitutaki can't be beat for swimming beaches especially on the West side of the island.

The food is great. I've had the best Chinese food ever, anywhere, at Hopsings in Rarotonga and I've had Chinese food in a lot of places. You can get great New Zealand beef steaks anywhere, but Alberto’s Steakhouse was my favorite. Island Nights are great, there are several places around the island that have them. Generally they serve Polynesian food with a Cook Island flavour. The Staircase puts on a good show. The party scene is not prevalent, you can find it if you want but it's not "in your face".

We loved Ronnies Bar, I think it's THE friendliest place on the island. They have Kareoke on Wed and Fri nights which can be a lot of fun. Try the curried octopus - it's to die for. Ask Munro, the bartender, to make you a drink called "Pure Sin". WOW!

There is plenty to do on Rarotonga, snorkeling, diving, swimming, shopping, tours, horseback riding, golfing, fishing, sailing, relaxing, reading, partying, drinking, eating, it just goes on and on. Get to know some of the locals and they'll keep you busy for weeks.

Aitutaki is a bit of a different story. As long as you rent a scooter and enjoy the water, you'll love it. It's not as developed so there are only a few restaurants and a couple of bars so the entertainment at night is not great. However, if you like to spend your days snorkeling in a gorgeous lagoon and lazing on a beautiful white sand beach, then you'll love Aitutaki.

For more information on the Cook Islands, check out the www.ck website.

shuck!
Vancouver - you have painted the most loveliest pictures!!! My husband to be and I are going there for 2 weeks in November...I just can't wait to be there!!!! Now i wish we'd booked our entire 5 weeks of honeymoon in the Cooks instead of spending 3 in NZ!!! Oh well, wil just have to start planning another holiday there!!!! I have noted in my Cooks LP all your tips and i especially look forward to meeting Munro!! Vancouver, Flemmer & Raro - what would we do without you!

If you look like your passport photo you NEED that holiday!!

Cook Islands?
Hi Vancouver, are you dreaming or what islands are you talking about? And you forgot to mention the rain, rain, rain...
just joking.

Rain
Yes, we did get some rain a few nights ago, and last Thursday and Friday for an hour or two. Well, at least it keeps things green.

Funny, but most of the rain here seems to come at night. Does anyone know why this happens? Temperature changes, etc.???

my two cents....
I tended to prefer the west side of the island as it seemed to be warmer & not nearly as windy - though Muri is far more beautiful - it's that leeward/windward side of the island thing, and I'm more interested in warmth. My standard answer is that the Cooks are the best - HOWEVER - if you are looking to be entertained and expect 5 star stuff & commercialism, big, planned outings, non-stop activity, TV & technology ­ don't go. This is a place where you almost back in time, enjoy the amazing beauty of the islands, the kind, good-hearted people, the sun, surf, sand, snorkeling...If you like to shop, it won't take long to cover the places in town, but there are some cool little places to discover if you bike or drive around the island. I highly recommend more than just a day trip to Aitutaki, though length of stay depends on each person - I know if you search this board you'll find some great info on it.

As far as the rain at night - it's a wonderful gift - just like everything else around you!! :-)