[thepiesleys]

This is not a NZ holiday but thought I would try here. Has anyone from the board been to the Cook Islands. Were planning a week there in september and have it all sorted but just wanted some info about the cost of food there. As a small island, Rarotonga, I hear staples like milk and bread are very expensive but wondered if any one knew about eating out and local produce. Any help appreciated.

Cheers

Dan

[NooDleS]

I tell you what, i'll write a big review up about it.

I land on July 26th and leave there for Auckland on the 22nd August. I'm spending the 4 weeks on Muri Lagoon. I'm staying in a hut on the beach having a bit of a relax before hitting NZ on the job hunt. I shall be spending a few days in Aitutaki which looks like heaven on earth.

All the islands are surrounded by coral reefs providing safe snorkeling with crystal clear waters. Rest assured you wont drift into the ocean.

For food, check out http://www.flametreerestaurant.com
For local produce, you can guarantee fish, steak and chicken. Avarua is the place to shop on Rarotonga.

The weather is a constant 24-28C all year around with September being towards the end of the Dry winter season and heading towards the slightly hotter Tsunami weather.

[NooDleS]

I wonder....can anybody else shed light on the Cook Islands? I.e. what should we go see/do when we're there?

[ruthyroo]

Hi there

We went to the Cooks about 1.5 years ago - had a fantastic time.

Costs
Most costs are comparable with NZ to be honest, from what I remember. But the choice isn't so great (ha). It is possible to self cater - there is a supermarket in Avarua and lots of little shops around the island. Prices in the restaurants are much the same as NZ, possibly a bit more expensive again because there is less choice. We had a bungalow at the Lagoon Lodges, which is about 5 minutes walk from the Raro Beach Resort - we ended up self catering for breakfast and some lunches / dinner, and eating out the rest of the time, a mix of cafes and restaurants. There is a market in Avarua which is good for cheaper fruit and veg than the supermarket.

Things to Do
Things that we enjoyed were...
Cook Islands Cultural Centre - learn more about the humble coconut than you ever thought there was to know!
Scuba diving - and loads of snorkelling - Mr Rr developed gills!
Travelling on the island bus - gets pretty cramped at times but always new things / people to see
Eating at all the good restaurants - the only less good experience we had was at Muri Beach - a party of about 30 english rugby fans were there cluttering the bar / kitchen... it was fun for them I'm sure!
Tamarind House - a special birthday dinner treat - I liked it becuase it's not part of a resort unlike a lot of the other flash restaurants, and is in a lovely old colonial house right on the beach (but take lots of mozzie repellant if dining outside at night!)
Hire a car and see the rest of the island - but don't get lost - there aren't many signs once you get off the main drag!

Have a fabulous time,

[Sam B]

Sounds wonderful, I'm adding it to my list of things to do....

[thepiesleys]

Ruth - thanks, booking my tickets in about 3 hours, very excited.

Noodles - cheers and have fun.

dan

[thepiesleys]

Booked our flights and have booked the accomodation. Staying at Club Raro. First proper holiday we have had in a few years after saving for our New Zealand move. Can't blinking wait.

[zardell]

Booked our flights and have booked the accomodation. Staying at Club Raro. First proper holiday we have had in a few years after saving for our New Zealand move. Can't blinking wait.



Good for you - I bet you'll have a marvellous time.

Julie

x

[jubjub]

Have fun, and bring us back a stick of rock..... :p

[BaldyBeardyBloke]

And a coconut.

[thepiesleys]

Have fun, and bring us back a stick of rock..... :p

Cheers sal - bar ther departure tax from NZ and the departure tax from the cooks it will be great. it's been a while - you OK? We'll have to catch up soon.

Dan

[jubjub]

it's been a while - you OK? We'll have to catch up soon.

Dan

We are OK, I think AJ is now bigger than your Joe! Maybe get together sometime over the school hols when you have finished sunning yourselves!:cheers

[thepiesleys]

Yeah - sounds canny. Were not actually going till September, just getting ahead of ourselves. How was Oz?

[jubjub]

Oz was cool, will email you the link to the photo album....