WHEN -

April to November are the driest months with July having the least rainfall.

The temperature is good all year round with steady humidity. Rain is possible (probable) any time.

December to March is the damp season but it usually only rains for an hour or two. It would be unusual to get continuous rain for a day or two.

Avoid Australian and New Zealand school holidays in July and August.

Early September is probably best.

STAY -

Aitutaki Lagoon - Private Island Resort***** - 

the only overwater bungalows in the Cook Islands. Stunning views of one of the world's most breathtaking lagoons, Polynesian decor, open air shower in a private garden, sun lounges

Royal Honeymoon Pool Villa - 4 poster bed, Polynesian outdoor garden rain shower, designer kitchen with indoor / outdoor dining. There is only one so book ahead.

Premium, Deluxe and Beachfront Bungalows - under the palm trees on the beach front looking out onto the lagoon

There is also a beach front pool, a day spa, a bar and a restaurant

Flying boat Beach Bar and Grill features views over Sunset beach

Bounty Brassiere has seafood platters, tasting menus and wine pairings

ROMANCE -

South Pacific tropical island paradise

Candlelit dinner on the beach as the sun sets

Couples massage

SUNRISES & SUNSETS - Both are spectacular

Managers Sunset Cocktail Party

BUDGET -

Prices for accommodation range from about $550 to $1500. Can get specials if you book directly with the resort. If you book 5 nights in any accommodation you will get the Honeymoon special of a bottle of Champenoise and matching his and her sarongs.

Continental breakfast and free use of equipment are included

HIGHLIGHTS -

The Gem of the Cook Islands

Stargazing

Singing at the Arutanga Cook Islands Christian Church on a Sunday

Island night on Tamanu Beach

PAMPER -

Make use of the onsite spa / Jacuzzi / Couples sauna

RELAXING -

Laze in a hammock

VIEWS -

The World's most beautiful Lagoon

FOOD -

A la Carte Menu / Seafood Platter / Candle light Dinner / In room dining

DRINKS -

Australian and New Zealand Wines / Beers / Spirits

Happy Hour Cocktails

SIGHTS -

Whales - between July and October over 15 different species can arrive

ACTIVITIES -

Swim in the luminescent lagoon / Gym and Fitness Centre / Bicycle / Water Sports / Local arts and crafts / Beach Volleyball / Diving

A 2 minute ferry trip takes you over to the main island where you can explore the town, go to church, attend an Island night (Tamanu Beach is the best and you need to book) where you will eat, drink and be entertained the traditional Cook Islands way and seek out the local market and shops where you can pick up some souvenirs

You can take a lagoon boat cruise from the main island. If you take your passport you can get a stamp at One Foot Island

Take a boat trip out to Honeymoon Island

SOUVENIRS -

Straw hats / A pack of local coffee - it's high quality and not exported anywhere so it is sort of rare / Tumunu - a citrus alcoholic beverage

TIPS -

Bartering isn't a thing here

CHEAPER OPTIONS -

You will find a range of choices on Booking.com for neighbouring Aitukataki  Island

VISAS -

Visas are not required for stays of up to 31 days as long as you have a valid passport and a return ticket

TRANSPORT -

You will need to fly to Rarotonga  International Airport  (RAR) and then a 45 min flight to

 Aitutaki Airport (AIT).

Which will mean connecting with

Sydney Airport (SYD) - 

Which has flights to 87 destinations in 28 countries including all continents except Europe

OR

Auckland Airport (AKL) - 

Which has direct flights to 56 destinations in 22 countries to all the main hubs in the Americas and Asia.

Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia have flights from Auckland and Sydney. Air Rarotonga flies the domestic leg and it pays to book early with them to get the best price.

Check flights here