We are planning a trip to New Zealand During Jan or Feb for 2 weeks. On return trip to Toronto we would like to stop for a couple of days in Roratonga, Fiji, or Tahiti. Which place is the most scenic for a quick visit and should we be concerned about the humid weather and bugs at that time of year? Any info on these islands would be greatly appreciated. We have already spent time in Hawaii so are not considering that for a stop over.

I've only been to Fiji (twice) and not the other places. I remember that Fiji was recommended over Tahiti at the time I was making my trip back in the early 90's. It was lovely. Very relaxing! Friendly people! That's where I'd go.
Carol

Particularly if you are talking about only a couple of days, Raro is the place. Most of Tahiti isn't that nice - you will need to travel to the opposite side of the island from Papeete, or ferry to nearby Moorea. Fiji's Viti Levu would be a second choice, but again, you need to get out from Nadi to enjoy the island. Rarotonga is much smaller, calmer, and quieter; and would be a great place to spend a couple of days. There is not a single high-rise hotel in the place - you may not construct buildings higher than the palm trees. There are several fine beaches, a beautiful lagoon, scenic inland highlands, and several good places to stay. Any one of your three potential stops are going to have some wet and humid weather, but this should not deter you - nothing will be like Toronto on a hot humid day.

Thanks ALF I was leaning toward Roratoga all along. Can you tell me the names of the lodging there you liked as well as any good restaurants. Would we have to rent a car or could we easily walk or bus it? We took buses in Bermuda and Bahamas and felt quite safe however never at night

You don't need to rent a car, unless you intend to explore the interior. Virtually everything is within a short walk of the perimeter road, which is served by buses on a frequent schedule. The only choice you have is clockwise vs, counter-clockwise. If you choose wrong, all it means is that it will take a little longer to get to your destination.

We have stayed on Raro twice, both times in bungalows, which we prefer to hotels. Once we stayed at Aroko Bungalows, a short walk from Muri Beach (east side of Raro). There are about 6 simple bungalows on a small patch of waterfront - I would pay the extra $ to get a waterfront one, as opposed to one with no view. Recently, we stayed at the Sunhaven Beach Bungalows, on the west side. These were much nicer and pricier. We liked the east side better, as being a bit more remote, and closer to Muri Beach, which seemed to be the 'happening' place for swimming, sailing, and diving. On the other hand, it is far from most restaurants and nightlife.

We know people who have stayed at the Rarotonga Sunset Motel (west side) and thought that it was a nice place with good value. Friends have also been to the Sokala Villas (east side), and considered them to be luxurious and beautiful. Here is a list of accomodations; http://www.pacificislandtravel.com/c...tel_intro.html

There is a fairly good selection of restaurants, although we have only eaten in a few of them. I'd recommend going to an, 'umukai', a Poynesian feast, where they cook a variety of food (kai) in an underground oven (umu). This is usually followed by traditional kariori dance entertainment. We liked the one at Club Raro. By the way, many of these places will pay for your taxi, or pick you up from your hotel.

Some more traditional restaurants that we liked were the Saltwater Cafe, the Flame Tree, and the Blue Note Cafe.

Other things to consider: lunch and a tour of the Cook Island Cultural Village - informative (and fun!) tour guides make this enjoyable. Just coming from NZ, this should be interesting - Cook Islanders are absolutely positive that they are the source of the original Maori settlers of Aotearoa (Land of the Long White Cloud, a/k/a New Zealand).

A motu tour out of Muri Lagoon is fun too. This includes lunch on a motu, a boat trip, and snorkeling in Muri Lagoon.

If you are adventurous hikers, a climb to the base of Te Rua Manga (The Needle) is spectacular.

If you dive, you should definitely go out with Graham MacDonald of Pacific Divers. He and his wife know some great sites.

Have a great time!

Al F.