Hi Stuart,

Congratulations on choosing the Cook Islands for your forthcoming honeymoon.

To answer 1 question - Rarotonga and Aitutaki are not similar in respect of georgrphy and development.

Rarotonga has had a lot more tourism development over the years, there are more accommodation properties to fit all budgets - than Aitutaki. Rarotonga is a high island, with mountainous interior. Both the main road and the inland road (mostly) encircle the island. Many of the beaches are suitable for swimming. The main centre, Avarua, also serves as the capital of the Cook Islands so it has more infrastructure. There are a considerable number of shops for a population of 12,000 permanent residents. And it has the international airport.

Aitutaki is less developed, it is a smaller volcanic island with a big lagoon (a major drawcard), and is dotted with islets near the surrounding reef. There are a growing number of accommodation properties on the main island, and several on the small islets. The culture is more laid-back, not so rushed and busy like Raro has become. Roads cris-cross the main island - some beaches are swimmable - many aren't. The key feature is the wide lagoon on which to enjoy cruises to the islets, and to snorkel inside the reef. Shops - there are a handful & catering mainly to locals - foodstuffs, hardware etc. Whereas Raro has more industry, more govt services, more retail outlets catering to visitors, along with only 1 now major supermarket. Aitutaki is easier to access independently - doesn't have the volume of traffic Raro now experiences. Raro has a good frequent bus service. In Aitutaki hire a scooter or car, or easy to walk along the beaches if no transport.

If looking at flights - it is possible to juggle arrivals so you can get across to Aitutaki on 6pm departure (except Wednesday).

Suggest you stay in Rarotonga 1/2 nights to settle into island life and unwind, and shop? then go across to Aitutaki for main part of honeymoon & relax - lagoon cruise, enjoy time on the island.

Return to Raro. for departure on day or earlier.

One thing - Aitutaki is hotter than Raro - it is north, and doesn't attract cool breeze and rain like Raro peaks and rainforest. Something to consider in February - but then Sydney can become warm in summer.

I haven't stayed on Akitua (Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa) recently - others have who can advise you further. And there is a wealth of information on this forum for review.

Cheers.

I would recommend Heliconia Hideaway when you stay in Rarotonga.

This place is absolute paradise!

Their website is http://www.heliconiahideaway.com

thank you for all your comments.

Honeymoon is booked, paid for and we now cant wait!

Where did you end up booking? I'm trying to plan our honeymoon there too. Thanks!

Hi

we have 4 nights in the Seachange villas on Raratonga and then we are staying another 5 nights on Atituki - i cant remember the name but its the resort without the over water villas. It seemed the nicer place for a longer stay with more luxury and more to do.

have a great time

Kia Orana Em-Stu,

Excellent accommodation choice for Rarotonga. I wish you all the best for your forthcoming wedding ceremony and honeymoon in the Cook Islands. Kia Manuia.