The Cook Islands 2004
Written: Oct 07 '04 (Updated Oct 25 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Scenic, Safe, Not Crowded, Relaxing, Beautiful, Quite, Friendly, Romantic, Well Kept Secret
Cons: There are no Cons in Paradise. Seeing is Believing.
The Bottom Line: A Well Kept Secret! Beautiful, Safe, Quite, Relaxing, Friendly, Scenic, Not too touristy. Not crowded. We will return!
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| eaglesontour's Full Review: Rarotonga |
The Cook Islands are one of those places that often get overlooked as a vacation spot but those who venture there, they are not disappointed. The Cook Island are a group of some 15 islands with Rarotonga and Aitutaki being the most popular of the islands. There are maybe 14,000 people total on all of the islands. They may get 70,000 visitors a year so expect no crowds.
Your trip begins as you land in Rarotonga, a very beautiful Polynesian island.In fact, Rarotonga is such a delight that I encourage people to see it and compare it to Bora Bora, Moorea or Tahiti and see if they don't like it better. Raro as we came to know it, doesn't have as much to do but I loved the fact it wasn't too touristy.
Rarotonga's main mode of transportation is a bus that goes in both direction hourly around the one main road the surrounds the island. Motor Scooters abound everywhere but it you feel the need to rent a small car, they are available also. You will immediately notice there are no stop signs, no traffic lights and no traffic jams.
Beautiful beaches are everywhere and you do not have to worry about crowds. We stayed on the Titikaveka side of the island and often we could go 1/2 a day without seeing anyone. The island is a wonderful place for a relaxing time or even a honeymoon. You won't believe the sky at night and sunset.
There is a noticeable lack of major chain hotels in the Cook Islands which we found great because it allowed us to stay in one of the many condos on the island. There are a couple larger resorts if you want to stay in those but I highly suggest you look at something like Whitesands Villas or Sokala Villas. One suggestion, ask if they have AC if you feel the need to have it. We didn't in April.
The Food there is outstanding especially the fish (one being Broadbill) since it is caught fresh daily. You might find it a bit on the pricey side since everything comes in from New Zealand. You also might want to go out and try deep sea fishing as the fishing is quite good in the Cook Islands. Diving is also excellent as the water is crystal clear.
Aitutaki is the 2nd most popular destination in the Cook Islands and the Lagoon rivals that of Bora Bora in beauty. There are so many shades of blue. Aitutaki is a sleeply little island that I highly encourage you to spend some time on. If you want over the water bungalows like Bora Bora, you will find them here at the Pacific Resort. They are expensive however.
There are several daily flights from Raro to Aitutaki and if you have only a short amount of time, there is a day excursion that leaves in the AM before 7 am and gets you back that evening around 6 pm. Aitutaki should not be missed. Just remember, you are on "Cook Island Time".
All in all, The Cook Islands are the best kept secret in all of the South Pacific. This is one destination that we will go back to again as to many from America miss this place and go to French Polynesia instead.
For photos, check out my posting at webshots:
http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=viewall&albumID=153679396
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Mar - May
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Epinions.com ID:
eaglesontour
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Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 1 member
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