Cook Islands for oldies ?
 

My parents ages 70 and 75 wish to travel to the Cook Islands for 2 weeks in April. Any suggested accomodation, tours etc Is the cyclone season over by then ? They have been reading about an island a short flight from main island - should this be a day trip of worthy of a few nights ? (I think it is called Aitura not sure of spelling).

Hi,
They are probably thinking of Aitutaki. A gorgeous place - I'd stay over and if they happen to be there on a Sunday they might enjoy the church service - very joyous.
Cheers.

Yes, the other main tourist destination in the Cooks is Aitutaki (recently featured in the TV show "Survivor"). Rarotonga and Aitutaki are sure 2 of the most beautiful islands in the entire South Pacific. April is generally a great month. I don't think the cyclone season is quite over though (still our preferred month to go there).

How much are they looking to spend (specific the currency) for accomodations? The Cooks offer a wide range of places to stay at a wide variety of price points.

Ken

Thanks for the info so far. The accomodation they have been looking at ranges from $400 - 600 NZ per night- I think Muri Beach ? and Edgewater ? perhaps.This is only inclusive of a tropical breakfast.

Edgewater*? Ugh! For that kind of cash you can have your choice of many, many places - with only a few absolute top-tier places outside your budget.

So now another couple of questions - how good a shape are they in? Can they get around OK? Are they active enought that they will want to get into the water - or just stay on the beach and watch from shore? If they cannot get around very well, some of my answers below may change.

Also, keep in mind that the Cooks are pretty remote from anything so if they need extensive medical car they'll likley have to be evacuated to New Zealand (you may want to seriously consider trip insurance - though at their older age it may be rather expensive).

Anyway, a few of the nicest choices in that price range would be:

Sokala Villas
Muri Beach Hideaway
Rarotonga Beach Bungalows
Palm Grove (beachfront unit)
Crown Beach Resort*
Manuia Beach Hotel*
Pacific Resort (if you get one of the better accomodations)

A few options that I don't know much about about but which might be suitable (particularly if they really want a "resort" experience):

Sunset Resort*
Muri Beach Club

* West side = less of a breeze, also rockier beaches & often pretty shallow water

Ken

Thanks Ken. My Dad is still active and keen to snorkel. He has mentioned fishing as well whereas Mum is happy to stay at the pool and float around a lagoon. Thanks for the tips on accomodation they are still investigating at this stage but they are at a point where they don't want to be surrounded by kids bombing them in the pool etc

Ok, Best snorkeling is from around the south end of Muri down around the southeast corner of the island. Virtually all of the south shore offers great snorkeling as well but the single best spot is reputed to be across from the Fruits of Rarotonga smoothie stand at the SE corner of the island.

Another place to consider is the Little Polynesian - which has just gone through a massive facelift.

Not too many places have a lot of kids (most have none). FYI - The Palm Grove is on my personal favorite stretch of beach (easy snorkeling, generally calm clear water).

Ken