Hey! Finally the post of Cook Islands is up! :) It's not easy to back to reality after a trip like that! lol
It was my first time in Cook Islands and I have a lot to talk about this little paradise - it’s really like a dream. What a wonderful paradise! I highly recommend this heaven on earth for everyone!
First let me show you where Cook Islands is...
The Cook Islands are in the South Pacific Ocean, northeast of New Zealand, between French Polynesia and American Samoa. There are 15 major islandsspread over 2,200,000 km2 (849,425 sq mi) of ocean, divided into two distinct groups: the Southern Cook Islands and the Northern Cook Islands of coral atolls (wikipedia).
I've been in two of them Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
Why we choose Cook Islands
It was our 10th marriage anniversary celebration, so my husband made a surprise for
me and booked the flights to this beautiful destination months before. We had enough time to plan everything and making our celebration memorable. We've been in the Island from 26th of August until 10th of September.
Flights
My beloved husband got a sales offer from JetStar and we flew from Sydney with stopover in Auckland and than Auckland to Rarotonga, the biggest island of Cook. We spent 15 days in the heaven and it totally worthy every single hour.
I highly recommend travel with JetStar but there are also Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia doing the way to the Islands as well.
Accommodation with Ikurangi Eco Resort
If you’re the kind of person that loves nature and also all the comfort that the luxury hotels provides, this will be perfect for you. I booked my stay with Ikurangi Eco Resort, the Cook Islands glamping hotel placed in Rarotonga.
The glamping experience is amazing! It is the luxurious version of camping which combines all the comfy of sleeping under canvas with the luxuries that hotels offers! Also is a fantastic option to get away from the noise of city and back to nature. The Pacific Islands have a stunning flora, fauna and the Ikurangi Eco Resort is placed surrounded by the captivating Takitumu Mountain ranges, lush green palms and banana trees of this tropical garden haven.
Rooms
Ikurangi Eco Resort has four Luxury Safari Tents with private decks and two polynesian ‘Are’ studios, but here is my top tip – request the Ariki Tent, it’s the most luxurious, often reserved from honeymooners and includes a perfect bath set amongst a private garden setting! There is a deluxe outdoor bathroom, a comfortable king-size bed, what I would term the essentials: electricity, hot water and Wi-Fi (limited in all island), and some luxuries too; tea and local artisan coffee facilities and natural bathroom products.
The tent is so charm but its private outdoor deck will become your favourite spot. Our fav place to chill with a glass of wine, to enjoy our daily brekkie and watch the sunset. This place made all the difference and turn our experience in Cook Islands a dream.
Breakfast is included so we woke up everyday with a tropical breakfast of fresh fruit, artisan breads and cereals right outside in our door! I felt in a perfect paradise!
Watch my video in this amazing place!
Location
Ikurangi is setting under the mountains of Takitumu - beautiful location and peaceful place to do a retreat . They are located 5km from the main township of Avarua, a short stroll from the ocean reef & 3km from the best swimming beach in Raro. They provide complimentary bikes and you can ride all around the island.
Everything you need to know about Rarotonga
There are many things to do in this lovely place. Once you've visited Raro you will notice that there time slows down. You you find ahead information about the stunning beaches but I want you to let you know about your perspectives: they will change after visit Rarotonga. You will notice that there are many modern conveniences available but you'll still appreciate the pace of island. You will notice that there aren't any stoplights and that people wave at oncoming traffic.
There are only two bus routes: clockwise and anti-clockwise and it's possible to go around the island in about 30 minutes.
Once you're there you will learn to be outside - there's nothing on either television channel and it's not easy to have internet connection in the island.
There is just one company doing the service in the Island and the internet is limited. If you really need, you can purchase a SIM card for about $50 available for two weeks.
But it's an amazing time to disconnect and enjoy the paradise, the stunning views, to swim, snorkelling, hiking, the simple things as well as taste the fruit, appreciate the sun rise, sunset and the stars.
You will have a whole island for you, as it is a big resort. You can stay in one place and have a lunch or dinner in other hotels. It's perfect!
Rarotonga might be just 32 kilometres around but with a lot to do. You can rent a car or a motorbike and drive around the island, with the wind in your face and the salt on your skin, past coconut palms, banana and papaya trees. You can also do by riding a bike or take a walk, you won't get lost! :)
Top beaches
Muri Lagoon
When you want to experience everything all in one place while on Rarotonga, Muri Beach is the place to go. Unbelievable snorkelling, walking, beach combing, lagoon tours, water sports and great restaurants you can have in Muri. A calm destination to sit on the beach or to visit the wild surf, Muri Beach will remain in your soul forever.
There is a really good half day tour to do with Captain Tama's and I highly recommend! They do the best 4 hours floating over the turquoise waters, stopping for a snorkeling on the way. You will also have an awesomea barbecue fish lunch on the beach, great local music in Motu Koromiri with the Captain Tama's crew. Amazing!
Aroa Beach (Arorangi)
White sands, a fantastic lagoon for snorkelling, swing and great walk!
Black Rock Beach
Black rock has fantastic fossilized coral and shells that are really beautiful. Walking around Black rock is pretty easy and the lagoon is beautiful, really good snorkelling and easy park.
Titikaveka Beach
This beach, like most beaches on Rarotonga, is covered in soft sand with the odd bit of corral. The water is clear and full of fish.
Mountains and Hike
The Needle
This tall, rocky pinnacle can be spotted from several locations on the island and is a favorite challenge for those who enjoy a good climb.
This is an adventure and you do not have to be a mountain climber to take part but do be ready to expect the unexpected. I did have to stop along the way. Take a water, great shoes for walk and just use common sense!
Aitutaki - A little slice of heaven
I had the opportunity to discover Aitutaki's beauty taking a day trip from Rarotonga flying with the amazing service of the local AirRarotonga. The day tour includes a cruise on the lagoon which is the best of the Cook Islands! If you have more time, I really recommend to stay over a night, two or longer, you will not be disappointed!
Certainly, a visit to Cook Islands is not complete without visiting Aitutaki. The breathtaking of its crystal clear turquoise waters will be the most beautiful place on earth you've ever seen in life!
Better than only read my words, check it out my videos and photos from there! And if you liked this post, don't forget to leave a comment or maybe share this amazing place with your friends and family!
Hope you enjoy! xx
Cassi