Cook Islands Journals

Share Pictures & Reviews

Cook Islands

A December 2008 trip to Cook Islands by Jolantka

Quote: Scenic, warm, superb destination, tropical paradise

COOK ISLANDS
ESCAPE TO PARADISE

Cook Islands mean smiling faces, friendly Kia Orana greeting, sound of waves braking on the reefs surrounding the islands, color and smell of exotic flowers, crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and spectacular sunsets. The islands are on “island time” which denotes absolute and total relaxation.
Rarotonga is the entry point for international flights and a pearl of the Pacific in itself. However, there are 15 islands in the group scattered over thousands of miles of the Pacific Ocean. They are diverse and unique, raging from tall, volcanic to coral atolls. Most islands are serviced by regular Air Rarotonga flights. Only a couple of islands in the Northern Group are accessible by inter island ferry that takes 4 to 5 days to reach them.

The flights arrive and depart in the middle of the night so there are only two options to see the impressive scenery of Rarotonga from the air. Well, one from the air, by flying to another island on Air Rarotonga. The other option is to hike to the Needle in the depths of the island’s mountains. The hike is strenuous and recommended only with a guide. Pa is not only a guide. He has a mine of knowledge about the bush, plants and their medical and culinary use.

The bush has the unique King Fern that grows only in a few places in the wold like Tahiti, Puerto Rico and the Cook Islands. The reward for this exhausting hike is a close contact with nature, interesting tales told by Pa, the most amazing views 360 of the island and a refreshing swim in the waterfall where the water temperature is cooler than in the ocean and much desired after the exertion of hiking.

The best way to see Rarotonga is a relaxed bike trip around the island. It is only 32 km of flat terrain of coastal road and easy to stop for refreshments passing one of the villages or take a photo of some amazing scenery. Scooters are popular as well and very economical in spite of the fuel costing $2.43 per liter. There is a bus service regularly circling the islands as well and one can hop on and off on route.

Avarua is a town of cafes, bars, shops, movies, discos. Saturday Punanga Nui Markets are a must to visit. Fresh fruit, flowers, local art, souvenirs and friendly locals make the morning a memorable one. Sunday is a day for church and the choir is unforgettable.

Rarotonga has much to offer and is a perfect holiday destination but the real escape to paradise is Aitutaki. Air Rarotonga flies five times a day to Aitutaki every day except Sundays. There is a one-day tour that starts with an early morning flight, bus tour of Aitutaki and a boat trip through the lagoon. Everybody that does a tour says ‘I wish I stayed longer although it was a magic experience in itself‘. Aitutaki is all about the lagoon, color of the water and snorkeling. The lagoon is shallow thus the color. And diving can be done outside the reef.

Arutanga is the town and harbour of Aitutaki. It is easy to circle the island on a bicycle and climb a 120-meter Maungapu for the views. Maungapu is the missing top of Raemaru brought to Aitutaki in canoes, as the legend tells, from Rarotonga. However, Aitutaki is all about its turquoise lagoon. Many islets surround Aitutaki Lagoon. One of them is Tapuaetai or One Foot Island that has a post office. Most visitors have their passports stamped with the special stamp to commemorate their visit. Still, the main activity is walking on the beach, swimming, snorkeling over some magnificent coral, colorful fish, giant clams, listening to local legends and music, enjoy dance performances and spectacular sunsets.

Aitutaki is heaven for those that believe in it, a dream come true for others and a true escape to paradise for all that visit. The only sad thing about being there is that the time to leave will eventually came. Read Less