OFF THE BEATEN PATH IN
THE COOK ISLANDS By Jessica Palmer
THE HARDEST PART OF YOUR HOLIDAY IS CHOOSING WHICH ISLAND TO VISIT!
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he South Pacific is well known for being familyfriendly and the Cook Islands are no exception. The people are welcoming, there is endless sunshine, year-round warm water, crystal-clear lagoons and sandy beaches. New Zealanders have been holidaying here for years. I was told by a friendly local that the Cook Islands are to New Zealand what Fiji is to Australia. Well, I think it’s time Australian families are let in on the secret too! Whether your family likes to relax in luxury or prefers memorable experiences over five-star, there is an island for every family in the Cook Islands.
RAROTONGA
For Families Wanting A Bit Of Everything Rarotonga is the island where all international flights land and despite being the most visited island in the Cooks, it’s not particularly busy. The main road circles the island in only 32km, so it’s virtually impossible to get lost. Highlights of Rarotonga include the natural beauty of both the surrounding lagoon and mountainous interior, snorkelling, swimming, waterfalls, dune buggies, hiking, island nights and eating slow-cooked pork belly at the night markets. Surprisingly, the beaches still feel very much like a locals’ beach. One that you are welcome at regardless of your accommodation choice. Just ask Timmy, one of the friendly locals on Aroa Beach. We met Timmy at the White House Apartments, a great family accommodation option on the ‘quiet’ side of the island. He seemed to particularly enjoy socialising with everyone he met on the beach.
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I watched in amusement as he found some young women relaxing in the sun and made himself at home on the corner of their towel. They looked on in horror as he paused his heavy breathing to scratch himself enthusiastically. Timmy, of course, is a dog. And he definitely doesn’t have fleas. In fact, he’s quite clean! I should know, I checked before I let the kids pat him. Rarotonga is the perfect blend of modern niceties without the annoying chaos that goes with it. Chickens roam freely, yet the cars and scooters that maneuver around them are modern. Nobody drives over 50km per hour, and even slower in ‘town’ areas. As soon as you turn off the circle island road, you are blessed with the lush greenness of the islands interior. This is where you experience the real Rarotonga. It’s where you find great hiking tracks, a waterfall to swim under, and locals that happily share their fruit tree’s bounty with you. For families on a budget, renting a house for the week can be a lot cheaper than a resort and you will also have the added bonus of being able to save money by selfcatering. We recommend the White House Apartment which is within 100m of Aroa beach, one of the most beautiful on the island. If budget doesn’t allow flying to the outer islands, you will not be disappointed with a week spent in Rarotonga.
ATIU
For Adventurous Families Who Love Nature The island of Atiu is ideal for adventurous families who would prefer to spend time in nature. Taking less than an
