We are considering a trip to the Cook Islands and New Zealand for summer of 2007 and wondering if the Cooks will be too cold and what two locations and lodging with be the best. We don't like to move around alot and would like to spend 2 or 3 nights at each location. Thanks in advance for any help in our planning.

The Cooks will be plenty warm during the Northern Hemisphere summer. Expect daytime temperatures around 25 deg C. Nights might be a bit cool. This is the drier season, so expect very little rain.

Rarotonga is a small island that is easily covered from staying in a single location. There is a bus that circles the perimeter road around the whole island. You either take the clockwise or counter-clockwise bus, depending on which one will get you to your destination sooner, but if you take the wrong bus, you would still eventually get where you are going. There are several nice lodges and you can also rent a bungalow for fairly reasonable rates.

You should also visit nearby Aitutaki, which is smaller still, but is considered to be more beautiful. Again, one location will allow you to go wherever you want.

Thanks Alf, Sounds great. Any suggestions on Lodging? We like upscale, and as private as possible. Thanks again. stru

For upscale private places on Rarotonga, check out Rarotonga Beach Bungalows, Little Polynesian, and Sands Villa. For a nice mid-scale place, look at Shangri-La Cottages (http://www.shangri-la.co.ck/).

On Aitutaki, check out Akaiami Lodge, Etu Moana Villas, or Manea Villas.

There are others, but those are all I now, being more of a mid-scale sort of traveler.

While I consider ALF to be one of the most wisest and informed posters on this site, in this particular case I have to chip in a bit of a caution. Though in general the Cooks will be warm enough in the winter (Rarotonga has the same average high as the north shore Kauai, or Hana on Maui - while Aitutaki is a bit warmer) I have heard enough mentions of cool weather during their winter (at least on Raro) to know that it can get a bit chilly from time to time. Most folks seem to find it OK, but if a cold front moves north from the cooler regions (as it does from time to time) it can be a bit chilly - especially when you remember that the trade winds are so strong.

Also, I think - that to a certain degree at least - it may depend on where you are coming from. Those from NZ (where it will be winter) will probably find it to feel warmer than those coming from the USA - particularly if you are coming from a place with a warm summer (remember that it will be winter in the Cooks while the northern hemisphere has summer). The US midwest, south, east coast and southwest will all have average highs warmer that what you'll find on Raro that time of year. The Pacific Northwest (at least on the west side of the Cascades) will probably be cooler.

In short, it depends on:

1) Is the weather in the Cooks typical, or a a bit cooler than normal?

2) Are you coming from a warm location that time of year - or a cooler place (such as the Pacific Northwest, parts of Canada, or Northern Europe)?

Overall, I think that you will PROBABLY find it OK (especially on Aitutaki) but it's possible you may find it a bit cool.

Ken

Despite the kind words, Ken knows more about the Cooks than I. If he thinks it could have some cool weather, then that is probably the case.

Al F.