The Cook Islands - Rarotonga and Aitutaki

After a nine hour overnight flight I've arrived at 7am in Rarotonga and was greeted by a Ukulele playing enthusiastic Singer. Next I've received from the custom agent a big smile and a 'Welcome to Paradise'. What a nice welcome to this beautiful Island group!

On my way to the hostel I've met Sarah a lovely Canadian Girl from Victoria – Vancouver Island, we've got a long very well and she became my bicycling travel partner during my stay in Rarotonga. We've explored the Island the following days and stopped only for fruit shopping, taking pictures and of course for snorkelling and relaxing on the beach (definitely day filling activities!). On our second evening we've met Chiharu (very nice Japanese lady who is travelling around Tahiti for 6 weeks, yes what a hard life ) So she joined us the next day for the cross island trek but unfortunately our attempt was disturbed by a tropical thunder shower and so we had to walk back and make the most out of a rainy day in the south pacific well not that difficult if it happens once...

The next days I had the pleasure to spent in Aitutaki, a beautiful neighbour Island of Rarotonga. The flight took only 50 min. and again I was greeted buy a Ukulele playing singer and Fred the Manager of Matriki Beach Huts (www.matrikibeachhuts.com). Kristine and Fred put so much effort into this really beautiful place. A home away from home. Additional they are so friendly and welcoming it definitly transfer to their guests! I've spent the first hours resting on the beautiful beach directly in front of my tree house and eating a fresh coconut that Fred just had opened for me (what a service, thanks!) and enjoying the great view. In Aitutaki everyone is extremely relaxed and tourism still does not plays (at least for the citizen) a major role and you will have the chance to enjoy real Island life! Most of the days I was cycling around the Island (again) and looking for the best snorkelling and beach spots but in the end I found them directly in front of Matriki Beach Huts .

One day I went for a snorkelling trip (organised by Fred and Kristine) with a friendly young couple and a family from NZ. After snorkelling in different spots, we had lunch in the stunning Maina Island. We saw so many different beautiful fish and even turtles (Fred told us a lot about the marine wildlife but unfortunately I can't recall it sorry). And I shouldn't forget to mention the great coral garden. I had a fantastic day, thanks Fred! A further highlight was the Island night in Puffy's Bar. First we could enjoy local specialities (my favourite: raw fish in coconut sauce) and then a nice traditional dance show (I've even made a Video, well first time...), a really nice evening in a very relaxed atmosphere. Unfortunately soon I had to say good bye to Aitutaki and I've arrived again in Rarotonga to meet up with Sarah and Chiharu for our last cycling – beach trip. The next day was sadly time to say good bye and we all headed of to different parts in the Oceania, but we will meet again maybe in Tokyo, NZ or May's Guest house ??

And before I forget (and if someone's is interested or maybe will go soon to the Cooks) here a few facts:

Rarotonga is the main island of the Cook Islands and has a population of 8100. The size is 67,2 sq km and there is basicly only one road that circumnavigates the island, length 32 km. After my extensive research I would say the most stunning Beach is Muri Beach and the best snorkelling spot is right next to the Rarotongan.

Aitutaki is the (even more) beautiful little sister. Population 1800 and size 18.3 sq km. The best Snorkelling spots are on the Westcoast and of course right next to the inner and outer reef where you will need a boat.