Air New Zealand Air Points - Business or Economy AKL-PPT RAR-AKL?

My fiance (soon-to-be Mrs. LGACIC) and I are taking a honeymoon in the South Pacific this summer. We're flying first to AKL on UA mileage plus miles. After a couple of days we're planning to continue to PPT (767), and after a week return from RAR (777), all with miles as well. My question is, is the business class on these flights good enough to warrant the extra 20,000 miles for each of us? Neither flight is a redeye, so seat pitch is not the first consideration - service, lounges, etc. are probably more a factor.

Also, I know it will be the middle of winter in Auckland, but is this still a reasonable time to travel around North Island? We're both very much looking forward to seeing a little bit of New Zealand.

Thanks Kiwis!

My fiance (soon-to-be Mrs. LGACIC) and I are taking a honeymoon in the South Pacific this summer. We're flying first to AKL on UA mileage plus miles. After a couple of days we're planning to continue to PPT (767), and after a week return from RAR (777), all with miles as well. My question is, is the business class on these flights good enough to warrant the extra 20,000 miles for each of us? Neither flight is a redeye, so seat pitch is not the first consideration - service, lounges, etc. are probably more a factor.

Also, I know it will be the middle of winter in Auckland, but is this still a reasonable time to travel around North Island? We're both very much looking forward to seeing a little bit of New Zealand.

Thanks Kiwis!

On the 767 I would save my miles, the 777 product (was not aware they fly a 777 RAR-AKL) would be worth it, except that its only a short (3-4 hour flight) and the Economy cabin on the 777 is nice in any case.

tht

Yes, go for Biz Class. The Lounge at LAX is one of the best on the network....after SYD. The lounge at RAR is the smallest I have ever seen.

The service on NZ is second to none with good food and wine. UA will feel like Greyhound after you have flown NZ!! The 767s are a tad of the dinasour age but comfortable enough for a day flight. The 77s are a bit problematic for a couple due to the pod design of the seats.

Yes AKL will be cold in August so bring your winter woollies. You and your fiance will love the Cook Islands.

Have a great trip

ex Kiwi

Yes, go for Biz Class. The Lounge at LAX is one of the best on the network....after SYD. The lounge at RAR is the smallest I have ever seen.

The service on NZ is second to none with good food and wine. UA will feel like Greyhound after you have flown NZ!! The 767s are a tad of the dinasour age but comfortable enough for a day flight. The 77s are a bit problematic for a couple due to the pod design of the seats.

Yes AKL will be cold in August so bring your winter woollies. You and your fiance will love the Cook Islands.

Have a great trip

ex Kiwi


Unless I miss understood the first post they are flying from LAX-AKL in C, and then on from AKL-PPT-RAR-AKL and then back to the US AKL-LAX, why waste the miles on an old C seat, as for lounge access, looking at the profile I see UA 1P aka *G = Lounge access in any case.

tht

I assume you'll be taking Air Tahiti between RAR and PPT. NZ doesn't do that anymore (or won't for long, if it still does). Otherwise you'll have to do AKL-RAR-AKL-PPT-AKL.

I assume you'll be taking Air Tahiti between RAR and PPT. NZ doesn't do that anymore (or won't for long, if it still does). Otherwise you'll have to do AKL-RAR-AKL-PPT-AKL.

I think we'll be doing PPT-RAR on Air Rarotonga. Does Air Tahiti fly that route still? I couldn't find it on their routemap.

Unless I miss understood the first post they are flying from LAX-AKL in C, and then on from AKL-PPT-RAR-AKL and then back to the US AKL-LAX, why waste the miles on an old C seat, as for lounge access, looking at the profile I see UA 1P aka *G = Lounge access in any case.

tht

True, we will unfortunately not be doing SFO-SYD-AKL in C. Oh, if I only had the miles! Then Mrs. LGACIC would be convinced that flying *A even when it's a little more expensive than Southwest et al is worth it.

I'm "in between" status right now - really should update my profile. I'm a lowly 2P for the time being, but may requalify 1P before the honeymooon. So, old business class on the 767 not really worth it?

True, we will unfortunately not be doing SFO-SYD-AKL in C. Oh, if I only had the miles! Then Mrs. LGACIC would be convinced that flying *A even when it's a little more expensive than Southwest et al is worth it.

I'm "in between" status right now - really should update my profile. I'm a lowly 2P for the time being, but may requalify 1P before the honeymooon. So, old business class on the 767 not really worth it?

Seats are similar to the UA C seats, while the Air NZ 747 and 777 have full flat beds. Did you not consider a *A award with somthing like LAX-RAR-AKL-LAX ? would that not be cheaper than 2 award seats and give you more time to see NZ?

tht

Seats are similar to the UA C seats, while the Air NZ 747 and 777 have full flat beds. Did you not consider a *A award with somthing like LAX-RAR-AKL-LAX ? would that not be cheaper than 2 award seats and give you more time to see NZ?

How many miles do you have to pla with? Are the UA ones?

tht

Seats are similar to the UA C seats, while the Air NZ 747 and 777 have full flat beds. Did you not consider a *A award with somthing like LAX-RAR-AKL-LAX ? would that not be cheaper than 2 award seats and give you more time to see NZ?

tht

I did consider this option, but several things are working against it. First, LAX-RAR award availability is poor, and flights are only going out on Sundays, while we want to leave on a Wednesday (01 August). Also, we really want to see Tahiti as well, and with the LAX-RAR-AKL routing we have to buy roundtrips to PPT on Air Rarotonga, which isn't quite cheap enough for us. I'd rather burn the miles than the cash right now.

But, admittedly, we've got a bit of a tortured routing: PDX-SFO-SYD-AKL for 80,000 miles, then AKL-PPT (PPT-RAR purchased) RAR-AKL for 20,000 miles. Any creative suggestions on how to rationalize this are more than welcome. I've got the tickets on hold until tomorrow evening.

I've got 180,000 UA miles right now. Planning on buying one of the PDX-AKL roundtrips ($1400). I've also got 120,000 AA miles, but I can't figure out how to make them useful - if Tahiti Nui flew PPT-RAR I'd be set.

It always seems a waste to use miles to fly coach - Please forgive me as I am not familar with the in's and out's of mileage plus - I take it that it is not possible to book a flight with miles PDX-PPT via AKL, and SFO, (SYD?)[with a stop-over in AKL] and back (as an open jaw) RAR-PDX [maybe through another pacific island serviced by NZ back to the US? for the same amount of miles (120k)?

If you can do that you could then to get to 240k miles see if you can transfer miles, find a way to earn 40k ua mileage through some wack promotion (US based FTers may have some ideas) or buy them (would be less than buying tickets). All depends on avaliability though.

If that doesn't work - I take it you wouldn't want to travel on seperate airlines from the US to NZ on such an important occassion even if it were in Bizz?

In answer to your original question - if you are not Star Gold than the value of Business is even greater. It will be all the more enjoyable if you end up flying in Coach from the states to NZ. COnsidering all the waiting time at airports, etc is fixed! But even if you are star gold, it would make for a much better section of the trip

Hope this message is remotely coherent

PS - Was there no SFO-AKL direct avaliability?

I havent' flown the 767, but for an 3 1/2 hour flight I would say in Economy, even on the 777 for a short flight to burn so many miles would not be worth it.

However, as it's your honeymoon perhaps you can justify it

Slightly offtopic, but as for Raratonga/Cook Islands, have you planned where your staying/going/doing yet ?

Would you prefer mountain climbing, hiking, exploring and a busier and louder type town, or quite deserted with beach, snorkling, fishing etc! Happy to answer any questions about the Cook Islands as I travelled there about 9 months ago.

Feel free to private message me :)

I think we'll be doing PPT-RAR on Air Rarotonga. Does Air Tahiti fly that route still? I couldn't find it on their routemap.

Air Raro code shares with Air Tahiti. It's a new route (1x or 2x weekly to replace the NZ service).

Air Tahiti is not the same as Air Tahiti Nui.

We travelled AKL-RAR for our wedding and honeymoon on the 767 in business and loved it, the seats are big and roomy, the service, food and wine are all fantastic (especially if not many in Biz, as is often the case AKL-RAR). I see you're going AKL-PPT, but either way, if you can spare the $$ or miles for Biz, I say go for it, honeymoons don;t happen too often :D .

BTW: My honeymoon advice is to spend less time travelling, more time relaxing and having fun:cool: !! You've got some serious miles happening there... hopefully it's spread out timewise??

As for North Island in winter... Hmm, well I'm biased, being from the south Island. I'd say you really should visit Queenstown in Winter - great skiing, shopping, food, incredible scenery and always party time but very COLD! North Island in winter still cold and rainy, but with some luck, you'll hit some good weather and have a great time.

As for RAR, it's a fantastic place to relax, but accommodation often looks much better on the brochure than in reality, and can easily be very overpriced for what you get.. be careful.. Where are you planning to stay??

Cheers
TiggerK

It always seems a waste to use miles to fly coach - Please forgive me as I am not familar with the in's and out's of mileage plus - I take it that it is not possible to book a flight with miles PDX-PPT via AKL, and SFO, (SYD?)[with a stop-over in AKL] and back (as an open jaw) RAR-PDX [maybe through another pacific island serviced by NZ back to the US? for the same amount of miles (120k)?

If you can do that you could then to get to 240k miles see if you can transfer miles, find a way to earn 40k ua mileage through some wack promotion (US based FTers may have some ideas) or buy them (would be less than buying tickets). All depends on avaliability though.

If that doesn't work - I take it you wouldn't want to travel on seperate airlines from the US to NZ on such an important occassion even if it were in Bizz?

In answer to your original question - if you are not Star Gold than the value of Business is even greater. It will be all the more enjoyable if you end up flying in Coach from the states to NZ. COnsidering all the waiting time at airports, etc is fixed! But even if you are star gold, it would make for a much better section of the trip

Hope this message is remotely coherent

PS - Was there no SFO-AKL direct avaliability?


There was no SFO-AKL direct availability, unfortunately. But, I've never been to SYD either, so I don't mind, even if it is a short trip.

The idea of booking PDX-RAR as one award ticket is a very good one. I'm going to get working on that straight away. Even though I'll be buying one ticket myself, Mrs. LGACIC and I will still be traveling together PDX-SFO-SYD-AKL and onward to RAR.

If you have any surefire ideas on how to go from 180,000 to 240,000 miles ASAP, I'm all ears! Would absolutely love to do this entire trip in business. It would feel like a real honeymoon from the start that way.

As for RAR, it's a fantastic place to relax, but accommodation often looks much better on the brochure than in reality, and can easily be very overpriced for what you get.. be careful.. Where are you planning to stay??

Cheers
TiggerK

Thanks much for the advice TiggerK, and to AndDee for the offer to help with lodging advice. Based on friends' and tripadvisor's suggestions, I've booked a few nights at the Etu Moano on Aitutaki, but still have about 6 or 7 nights unaccounted for, probably in a slightly cheaper hotel. Both Mrs. LGACIC and I are very keen on ocean kayaking, and we're considering a PADI course. But mostly just time in the sun, with drinks and hopefully meeting a few friendly people. From all the fabulous the responses in the Air NZ forum I'm quite looking forward to meeting some Aussies and New Zealanders!

Perhaps my travel schedule is too intense. I may have to ditch Tahiti. Shame.

Be careful – some people may suggest you ditch Raro instead!!!

Do UA allow changes to ticketed award bookings? – if you can get a direct it’s a good 4 -5 hours less just in air time onboard.

The idea of booking PDX-RAR as one award ticket is a very good one. I'm going to get working on that straight away. Even though I'll be buying one ticket myself, Mrs. LGACIC and I will still be traveling together PDX-SFO-SYD-AKL and onward to RAR.I’m confused – you want to buy one ticket for yourself, or you would rather do it all on miles if you could – which you can on 180k miles – 2 tickets in Coach?

Alternatively (now for your honeymoon this is probably not an option) one could fly QF J (thru AA) and the other UA/NZ J?

If you have any surefire ideas on how to go from 180,000 to 240,000 miles ASAP, I'm all ears! Would absolutely love to do this entire trip in business. It would feel like a real honeymoon from the start that way.Depends what you mean by ASAP. If you don’t already have them then you can both sign up for the Chase Mileage Plus Visa card which gives you 21,000 bonus miles after you charge $250 to the card and it posts (no annual fee for this card, well for the ‘first’ year at least). So the both of you that, and then one transfers miles to the other UA  UA – you can do 15,000 (maximum) for $185. Then buy the other 4 thousand for $153.25. Or if you know someone you could borrow the miles off.... My knowledge of Mileage Plus is limited – can you also sign up for the ‘Business’ version and the ‘Personal version’ ? - that would do 42k. If you already have these cards and can refer three people to the card you get 15,000 bonus miles yourself too.

You may find slightly better knowledge in the UA forum.

Oh and congratulations on the nuptials :)

The Etu Moana is very nice! Persoanlly I would not bother with Rarotonga if your just interested in drinks and the beach.

You may want to spend a few nights at the pacifc resort in Aitutaki as it's nicer than the Etu Moana, but has a much higher price tag.

Defaintely rent a scooter in Aitutaki ONLY and be careful of dogs, animals etc on the road! The tripadvisor forums will give heaps of other advice on food etc so I won't clog up this aviation forum :)

Enjoy !

The Etu Moana is very nice! Persoanlly I would not bother with Rarotonga if your just interested in drinks and the beach.

You may want to spend a few nights at the pacifc resort in Aitutaki as it's nicer than the Etu Moana, but has a much higher price tag.

Defaintely rent a scooter in Aitutaki ONLY and be careful of dogs, animals etc on the road! The tripadvisor forums will give heaps of other advice on food etc so I won't clog up this aviation forum :)

A 2nd to Etu Moana (dunno about the Pacific Resort, though their restaurant is pretty; pretty damn expensive). Take their recommended boat cruise (Kia Orana). Unless you've got more than 10 days or so, I wouldn't spend more than 3-4 days on Aitutaki; Raro has more to offer when it comes to variety of activities.

Don't forget to take your road test (can that be done on AIT?). Don't worry, you won't fail.

ralfp: Yes it can be done in Aitutaki, but as for the road test :) $5 to the nice local police man and off we went :) No testing there, but I belive they do test in Rarotonga.

The Pacific Resort restaurant is $$$$$, went once for dinner and the other 7 nights elsewhere, quite a few nice reastaurants serving great seafood !

Oh and back to the aviation side of things, what do you think your going to do LGACIC.

Have you booked your Rarotonga-Aitutaki flights yet, these can book out and prices go up quite fast

ralfp: Yes it can be done in Aitutaki, but as for the road test :) $5 to the nice local police man and off we went :) No testing there, but I belive they do test in Rarotonga.

The Pacific Resort restaurant is $$$$$, went once for dinner and the other 7 nights elsewhere, quite a few nice reastaurants serving great seafood !

Oh and back to the aviation side of things, what do you think your going to do LGACIC.

Have you booked your Rarotonga-Aitutaki flights yet, these can book out and prices go up quite fast


Spent a lot of time with the various UA call centers today, from Bombay to Chicago. No business availability, as I feared. Also, impossible to ticket PDX-RAR directly as only availability includes multi-day stopovers in AKL both ways. So, ending up spending an extra 20,000 miles, and will be in coach for a long, long time. But, hey, I've got tickets! I'm getting married and I'm going to the Cooks for my honeymoon! Life is great!

Thanks for the tip about the Aitutaki flights, as well as Rarotonga advice. How soon should one book these flights? As you know from the original post, I'm traveling in August.

Any suggestions for second place to stay in Aitutaki? Like I said, we've got the Etu Moana for two nights, but they have no more availability. Pacific Resort is prob out because of NZ$$$. You can PM me if this kind of advice threatens to clutter the aviation thread. Thanks for all the help!

Hmm, Aitutaki is a fantastic place, we stayed at Pacific Resort for our honeymoon back in 2003 and it was the stay of a lifetime. But of course it's very $$$$$$. Remember AIT is a tiny place with very little to do, all power is diesel generated, it's a true desert island, and other than the resorts, it's a very simple lifestyle for the few lucky native residents... The lagoon over near the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa is pretty much the only good place to hang out, swim, drink and meet people. And it's extremely fabulous, especially on a fine day, but even if not, the water is always warm..... The diving and snorkeling are world class, it all brings true meaning to the words 'getting away from it all'. A trip to One Foot Island is a must. But no real gourmet meals, Pacific Resort is prob the best of them and of course it's rather pricey as everything (except the fish) has to be flown in from NZ. But it's all simple tasty fresh food, and I never had a bad meal anywhere. Try the Ika Mata.

Sorry I'm out of touch with the current accommodation, but as long as you don't go in with too high expectations, you'll find the people and places are great, and the islanders (and Kiwis!!) are friendly and fun. It's great just remembering it all and getting excited (and jealous) about others discovering their own piece of heaven on earth. My advice would be to treat yourselves to at least one night (maybe your last one?) at Pacific Resort if you can get a good rate, the rooms are incredible.

Keep us informed what you up to, it's fun for all!!

Cheers
TiggerK

Defaintely rent a scooter in Aitutaki ONLY and be careful of dogs, animals etc on the road!

Not sure what AndDee means here?? (but yes be careful of things on the road, although we never encountered any). RAR scooter rental was a major highlight of our trip, pottering around the island at our leisure was by far the best way to travel. It's basically just one big circle of a road around the island, with various beaches, resorts, shops and cafes to stop at along the way... Awesome. No helmets required, warm weather, minimal traffic, sun, sand and surf and a vibe of pure bliss.

Cheers
TiggerK

This is the wrong time of year for your itinerary I'm afraid.

As you've already worked out, most of the NZ North Island destinations (Bay of Islands, Coromandel, Auckland and arguably Taupo) are really October to Easter destinations.

What you don't seem to have taken on board is that whereas French Polynesia is fine in August, Rarotonga and Aitutaki are frankly quite chilly at that time of year - as beach destinations go. Aitutaki is arguably the world's third most beautiful island behind Bora Bora and Moorea but there is no point going at a time of year when you will wince every time you get into the ocean or swimming pool. Think Southern California in late October, when by late afternoon you need a pullover on the beach.

It strikes me that if you can't change your dates you need to look at:

1. Reducing the Cook Islands to a transit to pick up the Air NZ flights,
2. Increasing Bora Bora and Moorea.
3. Scrapping the North Island, and going to the South Island instead for a proper winter vacation.

We travelled AKL-RAR for our wedding and honeymoon on the 767 in business and loved it, the seats are big and roomy, the service, food and wine are all fantastic (especially if not many in Biz, as is often the case AKL-RAR).


Was this a recent trip?

We've done AKL-RAR twice in Y and once in C and were really disappointed with the C offering. AKL-RAR was fine as this was continuing to LAX, the cabin was almost empty and so we got really good service. Although the food was minimalistic small portions and a big disappointment.

Coming back RAR-AKL the cabin was 100% full so we got a very hurried service equal to Y.

Was this a recent trip?

We've done AKL-RAR twice in Y and once in C and were really disappointed with the C offering. AKL-RAR was fine as this was continuing to LAX, the cabin was almost empty and so we got really good service. Although the food was minimalistic small portions and a big disappointment.

Coming back RAR-AKL the cabin was 100% full so we got a very hurried service equal to Y.

My thought as well, as per my previous posts in this thread, while C is clearly better than Y, is it worth the extra $ or miles. For me no, using UA miles this is 20k vs 30k miles, ie. 3 trips in Y vs. 2 trips in C. Now if the trip was on one of the planes (747, 777) with a new cabin it may be a different story (although for 3-4 hours a hard call). And with BMI miles it is evern worse, 30k for a Y and 45k for C. To put that in context I have just booked one way AKL-LHR (in C on Air NZ 747) flying 2 days before xmas for 37.5k miles and around NZ$755 (inc tax), for a half cash half miles booking.

I guess my point here is what your oportunity cost of burning the miles is, if you have nothing better to do with them fly C, but if you have limited miles and other places to fly spend them wisely.

tht

If you want my 2c worth, I think it's a terrible waste of miles to fly in economy class - you can pay to do that. Plus I like NZ's shorthaul business product - those old style seats may not be cutting edge, but they are very comfortable for lounging in for those flights, and the food and service is generally very good.

DCF has a valid point that the Cook Islands in August can be a bit on the cool side, then again they could be very warm too.

Was it a recent trip, well not really... 2003... is that recent? All you C class regulars must remember that it was my first C experience.... Pleased to say not the one and only, but the first is the one you always remember ;) And perhaps I was focusing on the pinot more than the food!!

Cheers
TiggerK

If you want my 2c worth, I think it's a terrible waste of miles to fly in economy class - you can pay to do that. Plus I like NZ's shorthaul business product - those old style seats may not be cutting edge, but they are very comfortable for lounging in for those flights, and the food and service is generally very good.

DCF has a valid point that the Cook Islands in August can be a bit on the cool side, then again they could be very warm too.

Well, everyone's got me a bit worried now about the Cooks in August. I had seen that avg. high temp in August was 77 F, but considered that the water must be quite warm nonetheless. Many accomodations are already booked, so I'm not the only one who assumes this, right? Does anyone have first hand August weather experience?

I decided for economy AKL-RAR - after all, the rt price is NZ$655, so seems a pretty good use of miles since this $$ is now free to spend this money on top rate accomodation.

Still, I may have to look into Tahiti Nui to Bora Bora ...

Well, everyone's got me a bit worried now about the Cooks in August. I had seen that avg. high temp in August was 77 F, but considered that the water must be quite warm nonetheless. Many accomodations are already booked, so I'm not the only one who assumes this, right? Does anyone have first hand August weather experience?


I was there in June and the weather was perfect. Not hot, warm. Just right. AIT is a bit warmer than RAR.

BTW: Scooters are dangerous. How do you think the hospital there makes its money? Rent a car on Raro. I got a nice Nissan Mica convertible for NZ$55/day walk up.

Yes they are more dangerous than cars, but traffic is minimal, and if you're careful around the township area, and feel comfortable riding, they enhance the whole trip so much. Cars feel stuffy, boring and enclosed, and you'd be in the minority I feel as most traffic is scooters. A convertible would be OK I suppose, but pricey, I did see one hire MX5's cruising around. I'm no motorcyclist, but I felt safe riding the scooter the whole time. (and with no helmet! OK possibly irresponsible, but speeds are low and it just doesn't seem necessary). Then again if it's a bit colder... it would be a bit uncomfortable at night, or in the rain.... We were there in June, and it was quite warm, but take a light jacket for scootering at night if it's chilly or raining.

Depends on your preference of course....

Cheers
TiggerK

Yes they are more dangerous than cars, but traffic is minimal, and if you're careful around the township area, and feel comfortable riding, they enhance the whole trip so much. Cars feel stuffy, boring and enclosed, and you'd be in the minority I feel as most traffic is scooters. A convertible would be OK I suppose, but pricey, I did see one hire MX5's cruising around. I'm no motorcyclist, but I felt safe riding the scooter the whole time. (and with no helmet! OK possibly irresponsible, but speeds are low and it just doesn't seem necessary). Then again if it's a bit colder... it would be a bit uncomfortable at night, or in the rain.... We were there in March, so it was quite warm.

Depends on your preference of course....

Cheers
TiggerK

I agree... and even more so for Aitutaki, which probably has a total of about 20 vehicles on the whole island :)

Re the weather, it is likely to be absolutely fine, but the point is that if a cool southerly change comes through it can get a bit chilly. You could go to www.wunderground.com and use their trip planner feature (just punch in 'RAR' for the location) to see what the weather has been like for the last few augusts... I looked for date range August 1-15 and got the following:
The Average High Temperature is 24 C with a historical range of 20 C to 28 C
The Average Low Temperature is 19 C with a historical range of 13 C to 23 C

A 13C minimum is pretty chilly but you'd have to be very unlucky to hit that... and you're still in the tropics so the water will still be swimmable, just not super-warm. And as ralfp pointed out, AIT is a bit warmer than RAR. I'm sure you'll be fine, just be aware that it could get a little bit cool.

I was there in June and the weather was perfect. Not hot, warm. Just right. AIT is a bit warmer than RAR.

BTW: Scooters are dangerous. How do you think the hospital there makes its money? Rent a car on Raro. I got a nice Nissan Mica convertible for NZ$55/day walk up.


Got an MX5 (soft top) from Avis for $55 a day walk up when I was there in Jan, a much nicer car and perfect for 2. But would agree Re: the Mopeds.

tht

we've been to Raro in June, July and October and have never been disappointed with the weather (but maybe we were just lucky?)

I wouldn't hang around North Island too long in the winter, but the south island alps will sparkle at that time. Pity that ANZ has killed the PPT services from LAX and RAR.

I'm sorry, but I'm still hung up on the Raro weather in August thing.

I tend to consider that for unheated pools or swimming in the ocean you require a minimum air temperature of around 27 degrees (81 farenheit) to be comfortable.

But it has been posted here that the average maximum in August is a modest 24 degrees (75 farenheit) with an average minimum of 19 degrees (66 farenheit).

If you assume that for most of the morning and afternoon the temperature will be midway between the two, you are talking about roughly 72 degrees farenheit when you would be intending to swim.

That means that you won't require a jacket, and for Kiwis freezing at home in winter temperatures of 6-16 degrees it is ample incentive to fill the hotels of Rarotonga and Aitutaki for a bit of winter sunshine and relaxation at the bar. But that is not the same as leaving the northern summer for a honeymoon by the ocean on a tropical island that isn't actually particularly warm.

I visited the Cooks in early October 1996 and even that late in the year found that it was only just warm enough. I transited on my way from PPT to AKL at the beginning of last August and found that just after sunrise it was frankly chilly. Rarotonga is comparable in climate to the southern Austral Islands of French Polynesia. They're beautiful but have never been developed for mass toursim because they're not warm enough in winter.

Rarotonga has a very narrow window of opportunity climate-wise: it is best to visit in April, May or October only to avoid rain or cold weather.

My respectful advice is that you look into Air Tahiti flights from RAR to PPT and split your time entirely between French Polynesia and Aitutaki (which is slightly less cool than Raro). Anyway, Rarotonga itself is eminently miss-able: it's a poor man's Moorea. Aitutaki is great though.

I'm sorry, but I'm still hung up on the Raro weather in August thing.

I tend to consider that for unheated pools or swimming in the ocean you require a minimum air temperature of around 27 degrees (81 farenheit) to be comfortable.

But it has been posted here that the average maximum in August is a modest 24 degrees (75 farenheit) with an average minimum of 19 degrees (66 farenheit).

If you assume that for most of the morning and afternoon the temperature will be midway between the two, you are talking about roughly 72 degrees farenheit when you would be intending to swim.

That means that you won't require a jacket, and for Kiwis freezing at home in winter temperatures of 6-16 degrees it is ample incentive to fill the hotels of Rarotonga and Aitutaki for a bit of winter sunshine and relaxation at the bar. But that is not the same as leaving the northern summer for a honeymoon by the ocean on a tropical island that isn't actually particularly warm.

I visited the Cooks in early October 1996 and even that late in the year found that it was only just warm enough. I transited on my way from PPT to AKL at the beginning of last August and found that just after sunrise it was frankly chilly. Rarotonga is comparable in climate to the southern Austral Islands of French Polynesia. They're beautiful but have never been developed for mass toursim because they're not warm enough in winter.

Rarotonga has a very narrow window of opportunity climate-wise: it is best to visit in April, May or October only to avoid rain or cold weather.

My respectful advice is that you look into Air Tahiti flights from RAR to PPT and split your time entirely between French Polynesia and Aitutaki (which is slightly less cool than Raro). Anyway, Rarotonga itself is eminently miss-able: it's a poor man's Moorea. Aitutaki is great though.

Thanks DCF. It seems that people are quite evenly split on August weather in the Cooks. As a backup, I have been looking into award seats on Tahiti Nui flights AKL-PPT, as are Air New Zealand flights. These are all full. Other than paying full-cost tickets between RAR-PPT, are there any other reasonable ways to get to Tahiti from New Zealand or the Cooks?

Cruise - although not too likely in August.
Fly via SYD.

Thanks DCF. It seems that people are quite evenly split on August weather in the Cooks. As a backup, I have been looking into award seats on Tahiti Nui flights AKL-PPT, as are Air New Zealand flights. These are all full. Other than paying full-cost tickets between RAR-PPT, are there any other reasonable ways to get to Tahiti from New Zealand or the Cooks?


Air Rarotonga has started a non-stop service RAR-PPT.