Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Aitutaki is tropical paradise! Rhys and I travelled to the Cook Islands in 2012. We spent 3 relaxing days in tropical sunshine in Rarotonga, the capital, and then 2 days in Aitutaki.

Raro, as it is known by the locals, is quite tiny. So tiny, there are only 2 roads - both circle the island, in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. Fact - while you wait for your luggage at the airport, a local man with a ukulele will serenade you!

The middle of the island is a volcano covered in dense rainforest - not many people live in there. Unfortunately the middle of the island was closed when we visited after some heavy rain. We were really looking forward to some of the hikes to lookouts and waterfalls (and the quad bikes!).

The quintessential mode of transport is the scooter - hire one and zip around! You will need to get your licence if you are going to hire the scooter for more than 24 hours - the test isn't hard, and the licence is a great souvenir!

You for scuba? The water was crystal clear, and there are plenty of fish and coral. As it was only an introductory drive, we didn't go out to the open water, but that was still impressive! After your scuba, grab a Boogie Burger (scuba diver highly recommended as he owned the business). Follow the signs through the pub/gym/tattoo parlour right out the back and get lunch and dinner in one. Don't even bother with the chips - you won't even touch them! You will be in a food coma.

Catch a TINY plane to Aitutaki to explore its lagoon - which is really what makes the Cook Islands famous. The lagoon is huge, so hop on a Bishops Cruise around the lagoon. They will take you to all the best snorkelling spots, One Foot Island where the most remote post office in the Pacific can be found, and the site of the old TEAL boats which flew between Fiji, Samoa and Tahiti. They'll even catch your lunch and cook it for you! Theres plenty of swimming, relaxing, and snorkelling to be done here.

One of the resorts (I can't remember which!) has a traditional fire dance on the lawn every night - pretend you're a guest and get a front row seat. Its pretty spectacular! Have dinner by the water, at a cute kiosk (there's a few to choose from) and enjoy the spectacular sunset. Stay at the Pacific Resort, Aitutaki - we didn't stay there, and wished we had! You'll love it - treat yourselves!