Cook Islands in 8 days
 

We are going to the Cook Islands for 8 days in October. Have never been before and would like info on where to stay and where to spend the time. We love the water, snorkeling, walking, visiting and just lazing about.

It's ten years since I visited so it's not surprising that I've forgotten the names of the places I stayed. Besides, they may not be operating now; they may not meet your requirements. You can stay hostel style to resort style and points in between. Which one are you looking for?

The one thing I would say is don't miss a side trip to Aitutaki. It's just wonderful. And have you looked at a guide book at all? I find it always helps.

Cheers.

Thanks for your response. I do have a guidebook. And will have that well read soon. We find first hand info to be the best. We definitely want to stay on Aitutaki and I guess that is the question-how much time there.? We don't care for hostels or first cabin. We are somewhere inbetween and really like private homes or cabins/huts the best. We have not spent any time in the Pacific Islands other than Hawaii and are looking forward to meeting the people and experiencing the culture of the islands.

We have just returned from a world trip & had 8 days in Aitutaki & it is well worth the extra flight as it was like paradise. There are all types of accommodation on the island but best to get one on the beach. We were on a budget & stayed at Matriki Beach Huts very primative but just great & lots of interaction with the managers & other guests if you like that sort of thing. Snorkelling awesome & you could even see the fish as you walked by the water. We hired a scooter, best way to get about & supplies are not plentiful but we would return tomorrow.

I visited Rarotonga in December 2007 on a return from a trip to NZ, and we rented the Navigator (a home next door to, and manage by, Sokala Villas) -- its right on the lagoon with its own private pool and beach. If you book early, as we did, you can get a great rate at the Navigator.

http://www.navigator.co.ck/index.htm

Thank you for your information. I guess we should split our time between Rora and Aitutaki evenly. The Navigator looks awesome but pricey for the two of us. It was suggested we contact a wholesaler for a package deal including airfare so I will check that out. The Matriki looks interesting but we will be at our friends place in Tonga (Tongaislandresort.com) for 12 days and might want something not so rustic. On the other hand we are on our first polynesian adventure!!!

Hi Cabodreamin,

Just wondered if you went to The Cook Islands and if you went, how was your trip?!

I've been to the Cooks. The sun is directly overhead at noon and it's getting in to the hotter rainier season. South pacific rainy season is late November to early March. What was the weather like when I was there? The coolest I have ever experienced in the tropics! I never saw the sun on Rarotonga as it was cloudy, drizzly, and very cool. Of course I knew this was unusual and the hotel owners were very tan, it was just bad luck for me. On Aitutaki (you must go there) we had great weather . I think there are better times of year in the pacific but with the Cook's it can be touchy anytime. In my opinion they have the least reliable weather of the three major destinations (Tahiti, Fiji, Cook Islands). Accomodations were motel style with kitchens, so you could save money by preparing your own meals at times. There are also some nice resorts that aren't self contained.

I've been to the Cooks. The sun is directly overhead at noon and it's getting in to the hotter rainier season. South pacific rainy season is late November to early March. What was the weather like when I was there? The coolest I have ever experienced in the tropics! I never saw the sun on Rarotonga as it was cloudy, drizzly, and very cool. Of course I knew this was unusual and the hotel owners were very tan, it was just bad luck for me. On Aitutaki (you must go there) we had great weather . I think there are better times of year in the pacific but with the Cook's it can be touchy anytime. In my opinion they have the least reliable weather of the three major destinations (Tahiti, Fiji, Cook Islands). Accomodations were motel style with kitchens, so you could save money by preparing your own meals at times. There are also some nice resorts that aren't self contained.