Product Description

Dreaming of a Polynesian paradise? Welcome to the Cook Islands: secluded beaches, cultural riches and the most spectacular scenery in the South Pacific. From bustling Rarotonga and beautiful ’Atiu to far-flung Pukapuka, let Lonely Planet help you find your own place in the sun.

Be Spoilt For Choice – includes coverage of all 15 islands

Don't Get Lost – unless you want to: 34 maps to point you in the right direction

Get Active – if that’s your thing: all the details on diving, snorkelling, trekking, windsurfing and cycling

Sleep Soundly – the very best resorts, hostels and everything in between

Before You Book – find out what our author thought of your resort – get the honest scoop

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #297784 in Books
• Published on: 2006-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 204 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781741042900
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
…Lonely Planet, the intrepid traveler's bible...' --Los Angeles Times, April 2005

Customer Reviews

Very useful but of less than average construction.
My fiance and i were fortunate enough to holiday in the Cooks for 2 weeks in January 07. In the lead up to our trip i purchased this guide and studied it carefully. All the sections were well written and comprehensive. The history and environment section made for interesting background reading and helped to get an idea of life back in the old days as well as the current situation.
The section dealing with Rarotonga and its capital Avarua, as a whole was useful and the information (sights, accomodation, where to eat/drink and shop, other amenities) for the most part (95%) accurate - even prices more or less. We did a daytrip to Aitutaki and that section was also quite good. There were also sections on all the other Southern & Northern group islands but i cannot comment as we did not go to any of these. Still made interesting reading though. The maps were also accurate and well detailed.
One thing i would disagree with is attemting to do the main cross island hike on your own. It is possible but there are no signposts, and the trail itself is quite difficult to find and follow in places, not to mention quite treacherous and hard going in the wet season. We went with Pa a local guide and it was a wise decision as many people have been injured or worse attempting this hike.
Other than this, my main gripe is with actual construction of this book. The plastic coating on the cover started to peel soon after purchase and the pages are starting to come loose from the spine. All this without any heavy duty wear and tear. I think Lonely Planet need to increase their quality control and improve the construction of their guides so that they do stand up to more rigorous use, after all that's what they are for.

Great Book
Purchased prior to our trip. Found it very helpful in planning, gave good idea what to expect esp. history on islands/traditions. Maps were accurate. Referenced many times while on vacation. Agree with other previous post...do not attempt to do cross island hike alone as it is not marked, Pa was an excellent guide. A visit to Atiutaki highly recommended. Spent 3 days at the Atuitaki Lagoon Resort...wish it would have been more.

Rarotonga & The Cook Islands travel book
Great little book. Lots of helpful info. Essential to really understand the islands. Arrived on time and lives up to the reputation of Lonely Planet.