Where to Eat & How to get around & Watch the sunset Aitutaki/Raro/Samoa?
Jun 19th, 2006, 01:41 PM
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Where to Eat & How to get around & Watch the sunset Aitutaki/Raro/Samoa?
We can't wait for our South Pacific trip - 4 days in Raro (Raro Beach Bungalows); 6 days Aitutaki (Etu Moana); 6 days Savaii (Aganoa). My question is about where/what to eat? Each accomodation serves a continental breakfast, and the first two offer small kitchens, I believe. Should I plan on preparing dinner or making reservations, or trying our luck? We play hard and will be hungry. Are there places to purchase our own fresh fish, eggs, fruit and veggies, wine? If dining out would be better, does anyone have suggestions . . please. Thanks.
Jun 20th, 2006, 03:17 AM
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Hi there - it's a long time since I was in Aitutaki and things may have changed - but I do remember there was the option of a banquet with local food Friday night somewhere. If it still happens it'll be in the latest edition of LP. The place I stayed had barbie facilities and one night we did our own thing. The only place to buy stuff was down in the main town and there wasn't a lot of choice - but you should be able to get the staples. It's a small island after all and much has to be shipped in. But for all I know there may be supermarkets there by now and numbers of up market restaurants.
Whatever - enjoy - and one of the bestest things you can do is hire a bicycle and go for a wander. The island is mostly flat as a pancake and perfect cycling territory!
Whatever - enjoy - and one of the bestest things you can do is hire a bicycle and go for a wander. The island is mostly flat as a pancake and perfect cycling territory!
Jun 20th, 2006, 07:00 AM
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Well, you've certainly chosen REALLY nice places to stay on both Raro and Aitutaki. Both are on terrific beaches (especially the Raro Beach Bungalows).
Lots of restaurants on Rarotonga - Tamarind House is the best (though pricey and, as usual in the South Pacific, with leasurely service). Most restaurants on Raro do not require reservations (though I would for Tamarind House)
A couple of large grocery stores on Raro, the largest is the CITC grocery store between Avarua and the airport (not to be confused with the CITC general store in town). There are also lots of small convenience stores scattered about (though their selections are small and prices high). The Saturday market in Avarua is fun and the best place for fresh fruit & vegis at very low prices.
ON Aitutaki there are now a fair amount of restautants. The one at the Are Tamanu Beach Village is very good (but pricey) and is nearby to Etu Moana (walk down to the beach then turn left and walk down the beach until you come to the next "major" resort). For cheaper fare, try Samades.
Food prices on Aitutaki are pretty high even in the stores, so we mostly just ate out. There is still not much in the way of shopping (for anything, including groceries) on Aitutaki, with the largest store being in the main village of Arutanga.
Ken
Lots of restaurants on Rarotonga - Tamarind House is the best (though pricey and, as usual in the South Pacific, with leasurely service). Most restaurants on Raro do not require reservations (though I would for Tamarind House)
A couple of large grocery stores on Raro, the largest is the CITC grocery store between Avarua and the airport (not to be confused with the CITC general store in town). There are also lots of small convenience stores scattered about (though their selections are small and prices high). The Saturday market in Avarua is fun and the best place for fresh fruit & vegis at very low prices.
ON Aitutaki there are now a fair amount of restautants. The one at the Are Tamanu Beach Village is very good (but pricey) and is nearby to Etu Moana (walk down to the beach then turn left and walk down the beach until you come to the next "major" resort). For cheaper fare, try Samades.
Food prices on Aitutaki are pretty high even in the stores, so we mostly just ate out. There is still not much in the way of shopping (for anything, including groceries) on Aitutaki, with the largest store being in the main village of Arutanga.
Ken
