Raro.....who has been there recently?

[skippa1]

Going back after six years, just keen to get an update on any must do or must see things that may be new. Fly out for 14 days on Thursday this week

[Oakie]

Going back after six years, just keen to get an update on any must do or must see things that may be new. Fly out for 14 days on Thursday this week

Took our third visit last winter (like 2016). Probably going back again next winter (unless we get a better offer)

Our first trip was 6 years ago and I don't think you'll notice much difference. If you're doing the scooter thing though you'll need to check on the conditions as when we were there last they were just in the throes of changing the helmet laws.

What part of the island you staying at?

[skippa1]

Took our third visit last winter (like 2016). Probably going back again next winter (unless we get a better offer)

Our first trip was 6 years ago and I don't think you'll notice much difference. If you're doing the scooter thing though you'll need to check on the conditions as when we were there last they were just in the throes of changing the helmet laws.

What part of the island you staying at?
Yeah we got a car this time....bugger hiring a second hand helmet. Wve are staying at Sanctuary

[caseye]

14 days mid May this year.
Car is easier, though scoot is great for one. 4th visit in 5 years. Love Raro.You can take your own lid!
Everyone who lives on Rarotonga loves people, it's only the young returnees who go back, or are sent back, who seem to have a chip on their shoulder.
We have stayed at Castaways on the sunset coast side each time.
Would not go anywhere else. No Kids! Only rule to be able to stay there.
12 units only.
Own restaurant and Wilsons Bar on the bech Famous in Raro and NZ! Pool, snorkelling gear, kayak etc available from office, no charge.
Library in office, wi fi also.
Pace of life, is as fast or slow as you please. Staff and owners are fantastic and nothing is too much trouble.
Muire night markets (usually Tuesday, but these days Tue and Thursday are fantastic for Islnd foods and souveniers.'
Going to do the mud bug adventure next time.
The Whale Museum, back of town, is a very quiet, hard to find place, that took us about 3-4 hours to go through, despite the fact it's housed in 1 and a half pre fabs.
The Crown for Lunch, or Black Rock Cafe, Michelle up there will look after you beautifully.
Your stay is about the right amount of time, long enough to relax and enjoy a few days of absolute bliss, then get used to the idea of going home.
You will want to stay, we always do.
The Whales may still be going by about now, another reason to stay on the sunset coast, as the reef is just 1-200m's out and no shit sherlock they're just outside it as they amble on through.

Going back as soon as we can afford to.

[Oakie]

Whales. Yes, we dined at Sunset Report one one night last time and saw a whale spouting not far out while we had pina coladas on the beach.

Whale museum was interesting in a compact sort of a way. Lots to see in a small space.

[Berries]

Everyone who lives on Rarotonga loves people, it's only the young returnees who go back, or are sent back, who seem to have a chip on their shoulder.
Yeah, hate to be a downer, but the fact that half of my face is numb since having the main nerve severed by some arsehole local at the same time as he fractured my skull in three places while I was trying to save him from getting run over does mean that I am going to have to post an opposing view.

Just my experience, could well have been a one off, but after I dragged myself in to a restaurant to get help I interacted with a whole host of people who had a completely different attitude to me than they did the day before. I did get the impression that they were more worried about the tourist dollar than an actual individual tourist.

Every cold morning when I get off the bike and someone points out that I have snot running down my chin reminds me of that wonderful time in the Cook Islands.

On a positive side, I did actually collate some evidence on that trip to suggest that chicks do indeed dig scars.

[skippa1]

Yeah, hate to be a downer, but the fact that half of my face is numb since having the main nerve severed by some arsehole local at the same time as he fractured my skull in three places while I was trying to save him from getting run over does mean that I am going to have to post an opposing view.

Just my experience, could well have been a one off, but after I dragged myself in to a restaurant to get help I interacted with a whole host of people who had a completely different attitude to me than they did the day before. I did get the impression that they were more worried about the tourist dollar than an actual individual tourist.

Every cold morning when I get off the bike and someone points out that I have snot running down my chin reminds me of that wonderful time in the Cook Islands.

On a positive side, I did actually collate some evidence on that trip to suggest that chicks do indeed dig scars.
Im pickin that may have been a one off........too many of those and the place would be desterted. shit thing to happen.

[skippa1]

14 days mid May this year.
Car is easier, though scoot is great for one. 4th visit in 5 years. Love Raro.You can take your own lid!
Everyone who lives on Rarotonga loves people, it's only the young returnees who go back, or are sent back, who seem to have a chip on their shoulder.
We have stayed at Castaways on the sunset coast side each time.
Would not go anywhere else. No Kids! Only rule to be able to stay there.
12 units only.
Own restaurant and Wilsons Bar on the bech Famous in Raro and NZ! Pool, snorkelling gear, kayak etc available from office, no charge.
Library in office, wi fi also.
Pace of life, is as fast or slow as you please. Staff and owners are fantastic and nothing is too much trouble.
Muire night markets (usually Tuesday, but these days Tue and Thursday are fantastic for Islnd foods and souveniers.'
Going to do the mud bug adventure next time.
The Whale Museum, back of town, is a very quiet, hard to find place, that took us about 3-4 hours to go through, despite the fact it's housed in 1 and a half pre fabs.
The Crown for Lunch, or Black Rock Cafe, Michelle up there will look after you beautifully.
Your stay is about the right amount of time, long enough to relax and enjoy a few days of absolute bliss, then get used to the idea of going home.
You will want to stay, we always do.
The Whales may still be going by about now, another reason to stay on the sunset coast, as the reef is just 1-200m's out and no shit sherlock they're just outside it as they amble on through.

Going back as soon as we can afford to.
Good tips cheers. Sanctuary is no kids too. We are right on the beach.
first couple of times we did 8-9 days and it was too short, last time 12 days was good....we were keen to get home and see the family....(not sure why now lol) so 14 days should be sweet. Got a load of books and been practicing drinking

[ellipsis]

...How many have been out to Aitutaki...well worth the money and flight, even for a few days...that is true paradise...

[caseye]

...How many have been out to Aitutaki...well worth the money and flight, even for a few days...that is true paradise...

I'm thinking that next time, we've got to go there even if it's just for a few days, even the locals rave about it.
1 off I reckon, nevertheless a very shitty thing to have happen Berries.

[Maha]

14 days mid May this year.
Car is easier, though scoot is great for one. 4th visit in 5 years. Love Raro.You can take your own lid!
Everyone who lives on Rarotonga loves people, it's only the young returnees who go back, or are sent back, who seem to have a chip on their shoulder.
We have stayed at Castaways on the sunset coast side each time.
Would not go anywhere else. No Kids! Only rule to be able to stay there.
12 units only.
Own restaurant and Wilsons Bar on the bech Famous in Raro and NZ! Pool, snorkelling gear, kayak etc available from office, no charge.
Library in office, wi fi also.
Pace of life, is as fast or slow as you please. Staff and owners are fantastic and nothing is too much trouble.
Muire night markets (usually Tuesday, but these days Tue and Thursday are fantastic for Islnd foods and souveniers.'
Going to do the mud bug adventure next time.
The Whale Museum, back of town, is a very quiet, hard to find place, that took us about 3-4 hours to go through, despite the fact it's housed in 1 and a half pre fabs.
The Crown for Lunch, or Black Rock Cafe, Michelle up there will look after you beautifully.
Your stay is about the right amount of time, long enough to relax and enjoy a few days of absolute bliss, then get used to the idea of going home.
You will want to stay, we always do.
The Whales may still be going by about now, another reason to stay on the sunset coast, as the reef is just 1-200m's out and no shit sherlock they're just outside it as they amble on through.

Going back as soon as we can afford to.


Been there twice, Anne has been there five times. Last time we were there (the year we got married) I spotted a sandwich board on the side of the road while on the scooter, 'Waterline Beach Bar and Grill' so we rode up the bumpy driveway. While we were reading the menu which was nailed to a tree, a bloke came out of his house and asked if we wanted to make a booking. He seats about 12 people on his deck and cooks what you want on the B B Q. When the others had left, we went inside at sat at his bar and drank Rum/ Bailey's while listening to his blues collection on the stereo. The best night we had on the island by far, his name was Chris, hell of nice chap.

Here is the where you eat and the view.

[skippa1]

Been there twice, Anne has been there five times. Last time we were there (the year we got married) I spotted a sandwich board on the side of the road while on the scooter, 'Waterline Beach Bar and Grill' so we rode up the bumpy driveway. While we were reading the menu which was nailed to a tree, a bloke came out of his house and asked if we wanted to make a booking. He seats about 12 people on his deck and cooks what you want on the B B Q. When the other had left, we went inside at sat at his bar and drank Rum/ Bailey's while listening to his blues collection on the stereo. The best night we had on the island by far, his name was Chris, hell of nice chap.

Here is the where you eat and the view.
Last time we were there we ate there with Chris too....food was outstanding and view was so nice

[skippa1]

14 days mid May this year.
Car is easier, though scoot is great for one. 4th visit in 5 years. Love Raro.You can take your own lid!
Everyone who lives on Rarotonga loves people, it's only the young returnees who go back, or are sent back, who seem to have a chip on their shoulder.
We have stayed at Castaways on the sunset coast side each time.
Would not go anywhere else. No Kids! Only rule to be able to stay there.
12 units only.
Own restaurant and Wilsons Bar on the bech Famous in Raro and NZ! Pool, snorkelling gear, kayak etc available from office, no charge.
Library in office, wi fi also.
Pace of life, is as fast or slow as you please. Staff and owners are fantastic and nothing is too much trouble.
Muire night markets (usually Tuesday, but these days Tue and Thursday are fantastic for Islnd foods and souveniers.'
Going to do the mud bug adventure next time.
The Whale Museum, back of town, is a very quiet, hard to find place, that took us about 3-4 hours to go through, despite the fact it's housed in 1 and a half pre fabs.
The Crown for Lunch, or Black Rock Cafe, Michelle up there will look after you beautifully.
Your stay is about the right amount of time, long enough to relax and enjoy a few days of absolute bliss, then get used to the idea of going home.
You will want to stay, we always do.
The Whales may still be going by about now, another reason to stay on the sunset coast, as the reef is just 1-200m's out and no shit sherlock they're just outside it as they amble on through.

Going back as soon as we can afford to.
Did you take a phone? I see Spark charges an arm and leg to do anything

[caseye]

Did you take a phone? I see Spark charges an arm and leg to do anything

Yep, I took a phone.
Yes park does charge narms and leggies, barstewards threy are.
Best bet by a sim over there, I think it was about 40 buck and all over rover, first tiem back form there Sparks bill was over $150.00 robbing dogs.

[sidecar bob]

Nodrog holds the lap record, performed in a clockwise direction at 11am on a Sunday morning on a Suzuki AN125.:niceone:

[Oakie]

Yep, I took a phone.
Yes park does charge narms and leggies, barstewards threy are.
Best bet by a sim over there, I think it was about 40 buck and all over rover, first tiem back form there Sparks bill was over $150.00 robbing dogs.

I don't turn my phone on when I'm over there. In fact, it just stays in my suitcase. Simple.
I do use wifi though and check e-mail and a couple of other things (like KB) on my tablet.

[Berries]

Nodrog holds the lap record, performed in a clockwise direction at 11am on a Sunday morning on a Suzuki AN125.:niceone:
I gave it quite a few goes myself, wish I had timed it because I thought I did quite well.