Lonely Planet Rarotonga & the Cook Islands (Lonely Planet Raratonga and the Cook Islands) (Paperback)

~ Errol Hunt (Author), Nancy Keller (Author) "Although the Cook Islands only have a written history from the time of European arrival, they have a rich oral history that has been passed..." (more)
Key Phrases: lagoon boat tours, lagoon islets, individual island chapters, New Zealand, Ara Tapu, Muri Beach (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This text explores the reefs, jungles and mountains of this island chain as well as details on how to reach isolated destinations. Historical and cultural background and coverage of important traditional and music festivals are also included.

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications; 5th edition (June 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 174059083X
• ISBN-13: 978-1740590839
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,041,588 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Tons of Info on the Cook Islands, June 20, 2000

By	Ruta (American Samoa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lonely Planet Rarotonga & the Cook Islands (4th ed) (Paperback)

For the first timer, this guide is a great introduction to the Rarotonga and the Cook Islands. It is very thorough and has details about shopping, places to visit, popular tours, places to stay, and eat. Not only does the guide provide information about the main island of Rarotonga, but also include bits on the outer islands, which are very popular to visit. I really enjoyed reading up on Rarotonga and felt this book provided a good orientation of Rarotonga and things to see and do. However, some of the information is outdated. It was published in 1996. Because Rarotonga is such a popular tourists destination things are constantly changing, for example taking the boat (ferry) to Aitutaki was quoted as an inexpensive way to visit this tourist hot spot. However, this service is no longer provided. Many of the shops noted in the book, were no longer open or a detailed description of how to find them was not provided. Locals were very helpful in providing the most recent information. There was not a lot of detail about accomodations in summer homes. This proved to be a very economic way of staying inthe Cooks. it could be improved with more thorough contact information. Overall for the first time visitor,this guide was very useful as far as getting an overall "feeling" or what Rarotonga is like.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lost but not Lonely in Paradise, June 9, 2000

By	Alison (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lonely Planet Rarotonga & the Cook Islands (4th ed) (Paperback)

I found the Rarotonga and Cook Islands Lonely Planet quite informative. I did however have a few problems but I think the overall content allays my initial hesitations.

The volume is lightweight which makes it a great read on the aeroplane. I planned my holiday mainly through reading this book and the information is practical and informative. The advice on things not to miss and where to go is detailed enough to give the reader a good idea of what to expect when they arrive. My main problem was the maps. I thought that they were not detailed enough and left off salient features (such as the Muri Lagoon) that were talked about repeatedly in the text.

Additionally much of the information is too generalised. I have just purchased "The Cook Islands Companion" through Amazon and already I am enjoying it more because the style is laconic but detailed with information that tells me about the country, it's people and its history and how to enjoy this while travelling rather than what to do and where to go.

The Lonely Planet guide fails in some aspects but overall most of the information is more than adequate; in fact pretty much everything is covered to some degree. I recommend it to all those who enjoy dreaming of paradise as well as those planning to travel to the Country.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A MUST read if you are heading for the Cooks!, October 28, 2003

By	duke (Medford, OR United States) - See all my reviews

We just got back from a two week exploration of the Cooks and found this book VERY helpful. The Cooks will quickly convince you that if you've only been to Hawaii, you've only gone half way to Heaven!

Unfortunately, we required hospital services (because of tainted food), and this book over simplifies issues of needed medical care. (Details that should be included in EVERY travel guide!)

Naturally, most prices quoted are actually higher, but that's just dealing with reality.

We observed "newbies" arriving without this book, and therefore, without a clue of where to go or what to do.
FOUR Stars because this book was so valuable, but as with most, there is room for improvement.