FLIGHTS

Right! Our onto it bridesmaids (3 of the four) have booked their flights and accommodation already!

Well done my girls, and Rory!

Here are the flight details:

Depart: Auckland 9:00 am Sat 4 May.
Arrive: Cook Is (Aitutaki) 6:50 pm Fri 3 May.
Flight number(s): NZ0046:NZ4030.
The Akld-Raro flight arrives at 2:55pm  Raro-Aitutaki leaves at 6pm so a 3hour stop.

Depart: Cook Is (Aitutaki) 4:40 pm Thu 9 May.
Arrive: Auckland 8:50 pm Fri 10 May.
Flight number(s): NZ4029:NZ0045.

These flights have a short stopover (a few hours) in Raro.

We are likely to head over on the same flight and return a day later. Meaning our family will be staying 7 nights. Details below...
Return Flights:

Depart Aitutaki Friday 10 May 7:10pm
Arrive Raro Friday 10 May 8:00pm
NZ743
Depart Raro Friday, 10 May 10:10pm
Arrive Akld Sunday, 12 May 12:40am

Please feel free to email Paradise Cove directly to book your accommodation, and tell them you are a part of our wedding party.  If you contact Kaylene, tell her that they have quoted us $135 per night, plus a 4% credit card fee.  Paradise Cove would like a 2 night deposit which is about $280 incl. credit card fee.

I'm hoping that with a heap of us on the flight from Auckland to Rarotonga we can sweet talk our way into the Koru lounge!  Who is the most persuasive person coming with us - Rory perhaps?  Scott?

PACKAGES

After many hours swearing, cursing, pulling my hair out and feeding Mitchell, while sending emails scouring the net and making phone calls - this is going to be the easiest thing to do...

Book a package through Kaylene at Flight Centre, Chartwell. She is magnificent!!!

She planned our trip over to Switzerland for us last year, and is going to put together our package for our wedding.  She will then fit you all in around our flights and wedding day.  (She is also gorgeous, wink, wink nudge nudge youngest and single brother in law!!!)

Her contact details are...

E: kaylene.johnstone.nz@flightcentre.co.nz
P: 07 854 7200

She said if you can make an appointment to come in that is ideal.  Face to face clients take priority I believe. Feel free to email her your plans eg wanting to stop over in Raro, don't mind flying with Virgin Pacific arriving in the wee hours etc., and then if you can make a time to see her.

After talking to a few people we are moving the actual wedding day to

Monday May 6.

This means that you will need to take less time off work, and for those with kids or teachers it means you can leave in the holidays, hopefully making the logistics of childcare a little easier too.

Kaylene is looking into 5 night and 7 night packages for us at the moment and will email me when specials come out.

I'll post details of our flights etc once they are booked on this blog to help you all make your plans.

PS. Try to subscribe or follow this blog so you get updates straight away.  All you need is a gmail account, which is free and works like a hotmail account.  Then you can also leave comments on the blog

Paradise Cove & Samade

PARADISE COVE

The beach is right out the door!

This is the nicest budget accommodation we can find on the island, plus Craig and Laurene and kids will be staying at a neighbouring property. This is sunset side, with a lagoon and safe swimming but the primo swimming is in the central lagoon.
The price they have given us is $135 per night and includes airport transfers but not Credit card processing fee ( deposit is 2 nights per unit and works out to be $280.80 once credit card fee is added) 
For a family it will be $135 per couple plus $40 per child with a max of 2 kids, so $215 per night.
Just keep in mind that the garden suite is "cosy" with not a lot of extra room to move, but with a beautiful lagoon at your door step who wants to be inside anyway?

SAMADE

Samade Cafe and bar

I am just waiting on a quote from these guys.  Samades is located closer to the primo lagoon swimming, where the lagoon cruises depart from.  The units are not beach front as the Samade Cafe/Restaurant and Bar is at the beachfront.  Units look very slightly bigger than Paradise Cove and they are air-conditioned.

The price they have given us per couple for 5 nights is: $915
This includes breakfast for 2 for five nights (with dinner available at $25 per person)
Airport transfers and Credit card processing fee included

They are Laurene's picks for couples!!!

Vacancy for a Couple to share with Family

Are-a-matatui has beautiful and spacious accommodation, with a FULL kitchen and everything you need to cook if you want to.  Washing machine, all linen and TWO bedrooms each with its own bathroom.  For a family this is the best space you will find.
Rochelle (sister) and Craig's family are interested in staying here and sharing with another couple, for a total price of $460 per night (dividing the cost however you want to).

So you will be staying with Laurene's beautiful and entertaining nieces - Kaea and Elidi, you get all the extra space and all the extra bells and whistles like the full kitchen, washing machine etc for a little bit more than staying at Paradise Cove, which is lovely but doesn't have the space and extras.

Give it some thought, Craig and I and kids will be staying in the beach front Villa, and may also be looking for some roomies, so watch this space.

ACCOMODATION BOOKINGS

If you want to be a part of the group bookings at Paradise Cove, Ranginuis Retreat, Aretai or Are-a-matatui, please try to get back to me either by

1. leaving a comment on this blog, or 
2. emailling me laurene@munchkins.co.nz 
3. or laurenewilliams@hotmail.co.nz

If you just tell me I'll forget!

I know that this is a big thing to commit to so early on but I'd really like to make a tentative booking by the end of August at the latest so we can secure the accommodation, especially at paradise cove because I know most of our NZ travel agents recommend this place.

And of course if I have suggested you stay somewhere and you don't want to, that's fine!  The island is small but has a range of options for a range of budgets.  It is smaller than Raro for those of you who have been there, but because of its shape getting from one end to the other does seem a hike.  There is also no public transport, just feet, scooter, car or transfers.

Sue I haven't checked if the Araura School hall is available!  Check with Gene!!!! LOL :-)

THANKS!

FAMILY ACCOMMODATION

Aretai & Are-a-Matatui

If you are not staying at Paradise Cove with your children, or Ranginui's or Ootu, then this is where you should stay.

Aretai has 3 villas, 2 beachfront, 1 just behind.  They start from $300 for couple, then $50 for each extra person.  Full kitchen facilities, very spacious.  Great swimming and snorkelling beach, not on the central lagoon but has a beautiful sunset.  I have read amazing reviews about these places, that the hosts are incredible, with scones on arrival!

Our family are most likely to stay in the beach front Are-a-Matatui villa. Their other villa is just behind it and is $460 per night, 2 bedrooms each with their own bathroom.  very spacious and a slight step up from Aretai Villas.  The landscaping and private beach here is beautiful.  Not on the central lagoon side but beautiful and safe all the same.

I would love to have Scott and Fliss and family in one of these villas, Paul and Holly and kids in another, and Chelle and Craig and family in another.  Then all the cousins are close to each other, Sacha and her kids will be close by at Paradise Cove, and Ros, Gene and kids are pretty much next door.  Karl you would also squeeze in here pretty easily but if you prefer kid free space then Paradise Cove will be better and keeps you close to us - if you want to be!  At this stage the only other children coming would be your "big kids" Sonia.

I would also like to book these ASAP so please think carefully about your choices.

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION

Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, Pacific Resort, Tamanu

These are all in the $400+ range, but you also get what you pay for! 
Ros, our resident local, tells me that
Pacific Resort is much more isolated, polished and has great warm, friendly and efficient service in comparison to the Lagoon Resort & Spa.
Tamanu is also supposed to be a little cheaper than the other two.  Bex and Richard stayed here and loved it, though sounds like they'll be staying at the Lagoon resort and spa this time.  They don't allow children.
Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa is the sister resort to the Rarotongan.  It has a "prestigious" position on the lagoon side.  It offers all the things you'd expect from a bigger resort. Definitely need to hire a scooter to see the rest of the island, or to get to Paradise Cove, Pacific Resort and Tamanu.  If you are feeling really indulgent they do over water bungalows!!!!

Please feel free to book these through your travel agent as they will probably give you the best prices.

Budget but Great Accommodation Options

Accommodation Options and Reviews

Craig and I have just sat down to review some of the accommodation options trying to work out what would be suitable for most people.

Factors we have tried to consider include

1. Price per couple or family
2. Proximity to restaurants or grocery stores for those wanting self catering options
3. If full kitchen facilities are available or kitchenette
4. Air Conditioning, ceiling fans and mosquito nets
5. Inclusions such as breakfast, scooter, cruises, pool etc
6. Use of kayaks, snorkelling gear
7. Location either on the beautiful inner lagoon or the sunset side of the island

For couples or singles our recommendation is Paradise Cove  

I would really like to book these ASAP.  There are 10 beachfront bungalows here for couples/singles, with garden suites just behind, and also 2 FAMILY units in garden suites that will accommodate 2 adults and 2 children.  For a Couple/Single just $150 per night for a FAMILY just $230.  I am confident that if we book as a group and soon we will get it even cheaper than this.

Its a 2-3min drive or 10min walk to Paradise Cove for restaurant eating and cocktails.  30min walk to town

Units are small, clean and tidy, definitely the nicest for this price.

The people we are thinking could stay here are:

• Sacha and Whanau
• Stace (portacot available!!!!)
• Mum Williams
• Kurt and Jess
• Karl (probs you could stay with Scott or Paul too)
• Mark and Steph
• Mel and Paul
• Leens and Rorz
• Bing and Rich
• Fee and Allan
• Excel crew
• Jackie and Keith
• Sue and Bob

This is actually most of the wedding crew!  So we would easily book the place out. Plus our family are likely to be staying next door at the Are-a-Matatui Villas, with a night or two at either the Pacific Resort or Tamanu both of which are close by and have bars and restaurants.

Ranginui's Retreat

This would be the only other comparable accomodation on the lagoon side, close to Ootu Beach, very close to Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa, Samades Restaurant, and also where our wedding cruise departs from.  Craig and I always thought we would rather stay at this part of the island because the lagoon here is like heaven.  But after reading some reviews on Trip Advisor there seem to be some drawbacks.  It is a long scooter ride to get to groceries/supplies.  One reviewer quoted $24 for a sandwich at Samades, and comparable prices at the Lagoon Resort and Spa.  So either its expensive eating out, or you need a scooter to access groceries to take advantage of kitchen facilities in your unit.  However they advertise a 

5 night package- $840 per couple, under 2s free and $40 per night for extra person

So for 2 adults and 2 kids (over 2) it works out to be $248 per night

A couple works out to be $162

The inclusions appear to be VERY good and make it excellent value for money. These are:

• airport transfers
• a lagoon cruise for 2 people
• scooter hire (not sure how long for)
• kayaks
• breakfast starter pack
• and it has a pool

There are 2 units with aircon but you pay extra for that, but the units are fully screened for mozzies.

We would also suggest to the above people to consider this option plus Scott and Paul's families especially if Craig's Mum and Steve stay at the Lagoon Resort and Spa.

Samade, and Ootu

Samade ($200 per couple per night for 3 nights) as you have read also has a bar/cafe/restaurant.  Craig and I have had dinner here and its location looking out over the Lagoon is AWESOME!  Though none of the accommodation is on the beach.  It seems over priced for what you get.  You would need a scooter or car to get supplies if not eating out.  Close to Lagoon Resort and Spa.  I have read that service here is not good.  On the PLUS side each unit is air conditioned.
Ootu can cater for a family at $350 per night.  Ootu is supposed to be "the beach" to be at.  It is near Samade and Lagoon Resort and Spa, so on the beautiful lagoon part of the island and where the cruises leave from.  It can accomodate up to 6 people ($425 per night)so could be a very good option for you WEBBER FAMILY.
Please don't consider Inano.  We have read so many reviews about the crazy lady that runs it, She asks for money for just about every little extra thing including use of kayaks, she also boils the water to sell to you, generally not good.

If you would like to stay at Paradise Cove or Ranginui's retreat please let me know ASAP and I'll make a group booking.  If you want to stay at the other options please make your own arrangements, but let me know what you are doing.

Aretai Beach Villas

www.aretaibeachvillas.com
This accommodation also looks great and could be a good option for two couples to share accommodation, or a couple plus a single.  Rates would be between $100-120 per person per night.  A much more spacious place to be, and still very close (pretty much next door) to Paradise Cove.

Another note on Paradise Cove, the family suites have a portacot available.

Town is about a 30 minute walk away from these places, but there really isn't much in town.  Better to be closer to restaurants or resorts for eating options.  Pacific Resort is only about 10 minutes walk away.

Again don't go making any bookings just yet.

Jackie asked how long they should plan being away for.  I figured that the day you arrive is almost gone anyway, the next day you will want to explore the island, swim and lounge, another day we will plan some kind of activity together (paddle boarding, game fishing, Craig has found some fly fishing thing for Bone Fish - ask him about that!) then another day will be the wedding.  So that's four nights accommodation at least.  Being that we will be with family and friends I know Craig and I could easily spend 6/7 nights there.  But this will depend on your budget.

What we will try to arrange is that the majority of us will arrive on the same flight in to Aitutaki.  When you leave will be up to you, some of you may want to spend 4 nights in Aitutaki then stay back in Raro for a few nights. 

We would recommend just booking flights and not booking a holiday package deal, but feel free to look into this.

That's all for now...

Paradise Cove & Maina Lodges

Firstly Paradise Cove

Click the title above to see their website.  Craig and I stayed here in 2004 and it looks like its even better now.  The beachfront bungalows are small but very suitable for one or two of you.  They are clean, on the beach, tiny kitchenette, small but adequate bathroom, and great bed.  No air conditioning however, just a fan.  I remember it being hot but we coped, windows open and nets closed to keep the mossies and geckos out!
Their rates range from Special Early Bird Rates at $120 per night (2 people, extra person $40) up to full rate of $150.  I'm hoping our local Ros will be able to hook us up a deal of $120 per night!
When you go to their website you'll see the garden suites are much bigger, better if you're bringing kids.  We're also finding out how far it is to town, I can remember Craig and I going by scooter into town but town doesn't have a whole heap to offer but good to get lunch supplies.  We may be able to organise group transfers to the resort we will stay at for dinners.  It is quite a hike from here around to the main lagoon on the inside where a few restaurants are located.
Don't book anything yourself until you've checked with us to see if we can get a better rate for you.

Te Maina Lodges

Click the title above to take you to their website.  I can't recall seeing this place when we were last there. But the beach looks gorgeous, and apparently Honeymoon Island (one of the motu it looks out to) is really really beautiful.  There is a jetty there so it might even be possible to pick you up on the way to One Foot, as it sounds close. No air con here either.

The rates are $135 per night (2 people) kids are welcome. I can't find on the website how much extra people will cost.  I think possibly the biggest drawback of this place could be that it is quite a way from town for supplies, and restaurants.  But awesome to have a fresh water pool, and I imagine the beach here is superb.  Possibly a better option if you are bringing more than 1 child it looks more spacious than Paradise Cove.

Ros is also checking this place out for us, so please don't book anything until we can try to get a discount.

The Lagoon Cruise to One Foot - Wedding Day

So far Ros aka Aitutaki Personal Wedding Planner extraordinaire, has checked out two options for our Wedding day cruise across the Lagoon and to the motu of Tapuaetahi.

Bishops have several boats, meaning guests can head out in the big boat "Lagoon Lova" which seats 45, has an upstairs and onboard loos.  If we use Bishops we also get the use of the One Foot Hut/Post Office, where we would eat and drink.  Bridal Party and Minister could arrive on a separate smaller boat.  Here's some pics.

The Lagoon Lova for Guest Cruising

The Jaguar for Bridal Party, with One foot hut in background.

The other option is we all go on the Vaka Cruise.  The vaka, Titi ai Tonga, is 21m has an on board bar, and we would also eat on board.  It has sun loungers and a kids corner, and loos on board.  We wouldn't get use of the Hut on One Foot, which I think is a major drawback as it is HOT HOT HOT out there, and shade is minimal.  So its either shade on board, or get in the water to cool off.  Here's some pics

 

 

BBQ lunch on board the Vaka

Titi ai Tonga 21metre vaka

So what do we all think?  What looks most comfortable for you and your whanau?  When Craig and I went there last time we went on the Bishops cruise, to be able to use the Hut was great.  Meaning we can use the bar facilities at the hut.  Bishops will also supply snorkel gear and beach towels.  I think I'm leaning towards bishops, but I love the look of the Vaka!

Looking forward to your thoughts

Kia Orana

This blog has been created to share great deals on travel and accommodation for you guys - our friends and family, who have been invited to share our "Wedding Holiday" with us.

What your invitation means to us: 
We have invited you because you are special to us and we want to give you the opportunity to share our wedding day, and holiday, and bubba two's Birthday in this Pacific Paradise. 
We understand the costs involved with flights and accommodation. With our good friends Gene and Ros living on the island and the contacts they have with the locals, we hope to set up some amazing deals, especially with Raro-Aitutaki return flights, and a range of accommodation options in Aitutaki.
What we especially don't want is for you to feel pressured to come, especially if this is going to be a burden financially.  Our friend and photographer "Sacha" is coming with us, and we would love to arrange a get together when we return for anyone who couldn't come to relive our holiday with you and share photos.  We will not be offended if you cannot come, so please think carefully about how you and your family can fit into our plans.

We plan to get married on "Tapuaetahi Motu" or "One Foot Island".  We will get there by a beautiful boat cruise from the main Aitutaki Island, across the lagoon.  We want to provide you all with amazing swimming and snorkeling in the lagoon, after a superb lunch of local foods.  We will spend the majority of the day here, then in the evening cruise back where you can be transferred to your accommodation and join us at a resort later for cocktails.

Currently we are planning on getting married on May 1st, probably a morning ceremony so we can relax and enjoy the day afterwards.  If Gene is able to arrange a chartered plane for Raro-Aitutaki we may need to fill that plane, and it is likely to be Sunday 29th, giving you time to arrive, settle in, go game fishing or learn to paddle board the next day, then it will the day for nuptials!

This will depend entirely on flight times arriving in Rarotonga, to coincide with flights out to Aitutaki.  It is entirely up to you whether you would like to stay on before or after the wedding in Raro.  Whilst I LOVE Rarotonga, once you have been to the "Paradise" of Aitutaki you will wonder why you wasted so much time snorkeling and swimming in Raro, when the lagoon at Aitutaki is a million times better.  But if you have any questions about accommodation in Raro, we are happy to help.  Craig has been there twice, and I have been there three times, and we both have been to Aitutaki once.

Taking food over is easy and very relaxed.  I'd recommend crackers, chips, breakfast foods and generally light weight snacks.  Grocery items are limited and pricey on Aitutaki.  I here most of the locals or family of locals take chilly bins full of KFC over there.

Please just don't stress over the cost of coming, we would rather share everything with you when we get back, than have people take out loans or stretch themselves just to reluctantly be there.  There is around 13 months to go!  (And a lot of weight loss for the bride and groom to go!)