Thread: Cook Islands

A quick google search shows that the average number of rainy days per month doesn't really change. You just get a bit more rain on the days that it does.
It is tropical so the rain would be more of a welcome relief than a nuisance.

To save anyone else having to look for it The cook islands are 4800km East of Australia, about half way between Hawaii and NZ, and are an independent nation formerly ruled by NZ.

I've been to CI many times working and holidays.

Would have to be one of the nicest and safest Pacific islands. You can zip around on a scooter and the locals are very nice.

If you do go make sure you go to Aitutaki , without fail, it is the most beautiful place on earth I have ever seen.

I will be going back next month and can't believe I am getting paid for it

Be

Mark


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Thank-you to both for your replies.

Originally Posted by marklr

I've been to CI many times working and holidays.

Would have to be one of the nicest and safest Pacific islands. You can zip around on a scooter and the locals are very nice.

If you do go make sure you go to Aitutaki , without fail, it is the most beautiful place on earth I have ever seen.

I will be going back next month and can't believe I am getting paid for it

Be

Mark

Hi Mark, what is the best time of year to go there? We normally take our vacation time in December/January but were thinking of holding off until March to go there. What are your thoughts on that?

Marla

Hi Maria

I am having a CI morning as this mornings emails contain a request to do a week's work starting Monday week - Hmmm let me think about that for 5 seconds or so. Weather has been pretty crap here so that sounds great.

Oct - mar in most Pacific islands is pretty humid and hot and generally has some rain almost every day. Usually very heavy and then clears up. Tropical depressions may give a day or 3 of cloudy wet and windy weather but never cold. Cyclones of course are to be avoided (you might call them hurricanes) but this is their season and CI has had cyclones in the past but not as regularly as islands further west.

In a typical week you would get 1 or 2 cloudy days, the rest would generally be clear in the morning with build up of thunderstorm in afternoon/evening. rain for 30 mins or so. Humidity is very high but you are always close to the coast in CI and sea breezes are common and cooling.

The nice thing about rain in the tropics is getting wet is not an issue, its not cold, you a wearing light clothes, it will soon dry. Does not worry the locals - should not worry you.

The closer you get to March/april the better the weather starts to get.

You must promise me to go to Aitutaki.

bw



mark

Thanks for the info Mark. We'll definitely go to Aitutaki, we're thinking we'll be in the CI for about 3 weeks so we'll spend at least a week there.

Marla

On Raratonga the circular road is about 35 kilometres to go right round the island, so it can be done on one of the hire pushbikes, with a bit of sweat. You can also pushbike up to the highest point that can be reached on a road, but it's a bit of a steep curve.

We hire a motorcycle, which from memory is either a 125cc or a 100cc and dependent upon the ones for hire at the time of your visit, perfect for two. When we are there one has to get a local licence, which was a nominal sum of money, ( think about $10.00); lasts for six months.

Love the local coinage, still have a few triangular coins from there.

We have been there in December through to January as with running our own business we could only take two or three weeks off at that time of the year.

Last time we were there we only had two really wet and windy days in two and a bit weeks, but sunshine in the middle of those days.

Yep, be prepared to sweat, drip and be uncomfortable, then slip into the water for a refreshing dip. A pair of reef shoes bought before you go could be handy if you have unusual sized feet, otherwise things like this are everywhere there, almost.

One of the very fascinating things is to take a walk in a cemetery, any will do. We have always been amazed at how young the general population appear to leave this life. Could be something to do with their general size, they generally are not light weights.

Another observation is the lack of people wearing spectacles, have not worked out whether there is a group of people with exceptional sight, or if they just cannot afford glasses, then again they may not worry about stuff like that too much.

The dress code for Church going is something else, you will have to check out the people strolling out from a service. We have never gone inside, we believe it would be intrusive, but usually sat on the other side of the road or somewhere like that but under tree shade and watch as they mill around before heading home, wonderful.

You will enjoy it whatever you do or wherever you go.

Although self governing, I believe it is still a protectorate of New Zealand.

Mick.

Thanks to all of you for the information. In case you aren't aware Marla (Crickett) and I are a couple, a couple of what is something else, I have another question. How is the wine selection / availability / prices in the Cooks. It's not that we need a bottle or two every day but several during the 3 weeks we are there would be nice. We can bring about 4 or so in our bags but if there is a good selection of Aussie wine to buy that would be better.

Flight is booked, so on to a cottage or house by the beach.

Pete