SimpleManToo
Dec 22, 04, 7:54 am
We visited a gem in 2004 named the Cook Islands ^ . The Cook islands can be reached via the west coast of the US via airlines such as Air New Zealand and Aloha as well as others. Many people over look the Cook Islands and go on to nearby French Polynesia but the Cooks are worth a look as well.
The main island of Rarotonga is a sleepy litte island that is meant more for those who wish to relax, fish, scuba dive, sunbath and do limited shopping. Raro as locals call it, is magnificent. The whole island takes about an hour to get around via the island bus which runs in both directions. If you choose, you can rent a motor scooter or a car at the airport, downtown and other locations. You will immediately notice there are no traffic lights, no stop signs and no traffic jams.
We loved the Titikaveka side of Raro where we had a condo on the beach. Most of the time, it seemed we had the whole beach to ourselves because we rarely ever saw anyone which goes to show how uncrowded Raro is. Raro is also not very commercial because it does not have the large chain hotels scattered here and there but has opted more for locals hotels and condos, none taller than a palm tree. While some might view the lack of 4 and 5 star hotels a minus, we found renting a local condo a pleasure.
Raro is not for those on a fast pace. It is a laid back island with stunning scenic beauty. Highly suggest you get off the main road and find the back road to see the taro fields and beautiful gardens in locals yards.
Another island is Aitutaki and it's lagoon rivals that of Bora Bora. You will never ever see so many shades of blue!!! ^ Aitutaki is worth a day trip at the minimum if you do not spend a couple of days there as well. Aitutaki can be reached via a 18 passenger plane from Raro which operates several times a day.
I cannot stress that the Cook Islands should not be missed for those wanting to relax. I found it less expensive than French Polynesia and every bit as beautiful with a LOT less people. The Cook Islands are not very crowded nor are they very commerical. I find this a treasure in todays world.
If you are planning a trip to the South Pacific, check out the Cook Islands before you go to see if they are what you are looking for. If you would like to see some pictures of them, please check out my weblink: http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=viewall&albumID=153679396 :) :)
The main island of Rarotonga is a sleepy litte island that is meant more for those who wish to relax, fish, scuba dive, sunbath and do limited shopping. Raro as locals call it, is magnificent. The whole island takes about an hour to get around via the island bus which runs in both directions. If you choose, you can rent a motor scooter or a car at the airport, downtown and other locations. You will immediately notice there are no traffic lights, no stop signs and no traffic jams.
We loved the Titikaveka side of Raro where we had a condo on the beach. Most of the time, it seemed we had the whole beach to ourselves because we rarely ever saw anyone which goes to show how uncrowded Raro is. Raro is also not very commercial because it does not have the large chain hotels scattered here and there but has opted more for locals hotels and condos, none taller than a palm tree. While some might view the lack of 4 and 5 star hotels a minus, we found renting a local condo a pleasure.
Raro is not for those on a fast pace. It is a laid back island with stunning scenic beauty. Highly suggest you get off the main road and find the back road to see the taro fields and beautiful gardens in locals yards.
Another island is Aitutaki and it's lagoon rivals that of Bora Bora. You will never ever see so many shades of blue!!! ^ Aitutaki is worth a day trip at the minimum if you do not spend a couple of days there as well. Aitutaki can be reached via a 18 passenger plane from Raro which operates several times a day.
I cannot stress that the Cook Islands should not be missed for those wanting to relax. I found it less expensive than French Polynesia and every bit as beautiful with a LOT less people. The Cook Islands are not very crowded nor are they very commerical. I find this a treasure in todays world.
If you are planning a trip to the South Pacific, check out the Cook Islands before you go to see if they are what you are looking for. If you would like to see some pictures of them, please check out my weblink: http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=viewall&albumID=153679396 :) :)