Rarotonga...anyone been there?

FrogPond · 03-07-2007, 08:42 AM

My finace and I are planning our honeymoon and are looking seriously at the Cook Islands. Anyone have any recommendations, experiences, or places to avoid?

This will be my first trip out of the country, but my fiance has been to Europe. We have our passports, but will need our shots etc. Any advice for new Tropical tavelers?

If anyone has some pics of their trip to the Cook Islands...I would love to see them! Post them here or PM me for email info.

Thanks!!

Cool Texan · 03-07-2007, 08:54 AM

Not Cook, but my wife and I went to Fiji for our honeymoon. LOVED IT. Hard to come home. Have a great time.

skein · 03-07-2007, 08:58 AM

My wife and I came very close to going, and had some neat discussion with friends that had spent a year or so there. We gathered up a ton of information and would be more than glad to share it with you.

Send me a pm and let's get together.

Skein

D.B.Cooper · 03-07-2007, 09:34 AM

As long as you stay away from Jamaica you'll be fine.

Rarotongarod · 03-07-2007, 01:01 PM

Amen to that! I have been many many times over the last 18 years and have found it to be a fabulous place to visit. happy to send you some brochures and such if you would like. Send me a pm and I will get you some info on the way!

BrianMaguire · 03-08-2007, 11:58 PM

The Cook Island look great, never been. I personally really like French Polynesia. I do caution once you go you can't go back to Hawaii and have as much fun, kind of like fishing in Alaska and then fishing here.

For French Polynesia avoid staying in Tahiti, other than you have to fly into Papaete, its a pit compared to the rest of the islands. Bora Bora is expensive. My favorite is Morea, it is where the movie South Pacific was filmed. Really low key, gorgeous, great diving (if you want to do club med it there) but to me that ruins things. Great Fish, mmmmm Mahi Mahi.

My wife and I are going back in the fall, staying in Morea and then flying to the Tuamotus to dive.

greenbuttskunk · 03-09-2007, 08:35 AM

I'd second Morea.

Orion · 03-09-2007, 09:23 AM

Frogpond,
Been there, done that, and would do it again. The locals are very friendly. The food is a hit or miss based on where and what you choose to eat. The island is very small and can be circumnavigated by road in less than an hour if I recall. I would rent mopeds for the duration of your stay. There are a couple of areas where the snorkling is good, but the rest of the island lacks marine life due to over fishing. Unless you get some very recent first hand fishing reports, I would avoid the deep sea charter fishing. If you have time, you should check out the day trip to Aitutaki. It is a short flight and and interesting adventure. The airport on Rarotonga is cut out of the jungle and right on the edge of the sea. Find out when a flight is due to arrive, and be at the end of the runway by the road and the ocean just prior to the scheduled arrival. The jets come in low to land, and the edge of the runway is about 15ft above your head. It is one heck of a rush to watch the belly of a jet pass right over you. There used to be a guided cross island hike that was interesting as well. If you do the hike, see if Pa is still guiding and make the trek with him. He started the trek and has stories on top of stories. The flight is long, but well worth it. Most hotels do not have A/C so if this is a concern make sure yours has it. This is a very low key place, which is perfect for a honeymoon.

All the Best,

Orion

No Bail · 03-09-2007, 10:16 PM

We spent our 25th anniversary staying at Pacific Resort on Aitutaki and then a smaller bungalow on Rarotonga. I can make several suggestions. I would stay on Aitutaki again and maybe at a less expensive place, but what the heck, it was the 25th. When we arrived, they upgraded our reservations to a suite and brought us champagne due to our anniversary. It didn't hurt that our last name was the same as the general manager's maiden name. She was from New Zealand and had not met another with the last name. She was amazing at the meals. She would walk around and talk to every table to make sure you were happy with the resort and the island. She recalled every name. We met some great people from New Zealand and shared lots of stories over drinks. Loved it.

We found two types of reaction from the residents. Older generation were always friendly and very concerned that you learned something about the island and took care of you. Caring for you included helping you select that wonderful New Zealand butter with fresh sweet bread. Great breakfasts. Milk in a box is a kick.

The younger people offer a different reaction. You can tell that many young people feel you are just another tourist. An example: we were looking for the police officer on duty to get our driver's license ($10) for our rental. It was pouring rain and we parked under the cover near the local market. The market was just setting up, not yet open that day and several young fellows were around. We parked and got out to look at a few items. It was obvious that we were looking for the officer as we walked up to the station doors and talked about the possible hours. We walked past a younger man on a motor bike that was talking to a couple guys. As we strolled near the market an old gentleman in a hooded raincoat approached and asked point blank what we were looking for. The direct question took us aback at the tone. We explained our purpose, and the older man became very angry. He said, "That is not right, not right at all." He explained that the man on the motorbike was the officer, and obviously didn't want not be bothered.
He went on to explain that he interceded as he was concerned, we were obviously tourists and should be shown courtesy and welcomed. He was sure to mention the incident to the Chief.

It turned out the officer was a decent fellow, and was chatty once I traded business cards with him.

If you like I can gather the name of the bungalow where we stayed on Raro. I would highly recommend the establishment. The kayaks are complimentary and good coral out front on the beach.

There are cuts in the coral reef where the water flows out of the lagoon. It really pours out and you have to be careful not to wade into the fast current. You would get sucked out to sea in a flash. I waded out and cast some streamers for trevally as the small channel holds them. I had one take but the wind and the 12 weight beat me up. I was losing the light and so gave up that day. Just stop at a dive shop and they will be glad to show you a map of where the channels go through reef. They can also clue you into any places that are considered rude if you wade there.

On Rarotonga I had a trip lined up on a sport boat, but the wind came up and it stormed for 5 days, blowing about 30-35. Nothing left the harbor for days. It turned out a part owner of that boat lives near The Dalles. I told him about this site but I don't think he ever registered. He sent me great photos of trevally that he caught near the reef by casting minnow imitations.

But I'm rambling. I'd go again and recommend the trip just to see blue starfish and that great water. Aitutaki's lagoon needs to seen as I cannot describe the blue.

Feel free to PM any questions.