Destination Cook Islands, Rarotonga & Aitutaki
Five things to do
1. Stay: We chose Te Vakaroa, a luxury villa with pool and spa on Muri lagoon, Rarotonga, and enjoyed getting spoilt. Raro, as the locals call it, is easy to get around. Hire a car or scooter or catch the local bus, which laps the island. The chatty driver points out significant landmarks and picks up or sets down anywhere along the route. Wi-fi service is patchy so this is an ideal place for anyone wanting an unplugged break.
2. Visit: At Punanga Nui market in Avarua, the capital of the islands, you can find fresh local produce, arts and crafts including black pearls, ukuleles, log drums and sarongs, and graze at the food tents, which offer local delicacies such as chicken with taro, fresh smoothies, kebabs and waffles. 3. Atmosphere and food: The locals, mostly of Polynesian and Maori descent, are wonderfully friendly and relaxed. Dining out is a treat with fresh local seafood and premium Kiwi beef and wines at most eateries. Stop at The Mooring Fish Café for the best fish wrap in the world and soak up the faint sound of log drums, roosters crowing and waves breaking on the distant barrier reef.
4. Nautical: Swim in the lagoon wrapping the island. It’s a safe environment for all ages, offering sailing, paddle-boarding, kayaking and boat cruises. Deep-sea fishing is also available. Explore Raro’s three key snorkelling spots for great coral bommies and spectacular fish.
5. Island-hop: Fly from Raro to Aitutaki in 45 minutes and spend a few days exploring the unspoilt tropical island. Kayak around the pristine lagoon and you may spot one of the island’s sacred turtles. We did. Get on board the day trip from Aitutaki and sail past other smaller, uninhabited islands before dropping anchor for magical snorkelling, then a catered lunch on One Foot Island. Dine at Aitutaki’s Boathouse for the best ika mata, the Cook Islands specialty of marinated raw fish in lemon and coconut cream. Sunday is karaoke night at the Boathouse and a fun opportunity to mix it with the locals.