New England in the Fall

Grand Canyon

Hawaii

Kauai

Maui

San Francisco

Alcatraz

"includes a personally narrated boat tour around the island; guided tours from the dock to the main prison building; “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour” and a variety of special programs and presentations offered only at night. Enjoy a sunset silhouetting the Golden Gate Bridge and breath-taking views of San Francisco as night falls."

Monterey Bay Aquarium:

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Arrival

Accommodation

"We are located at Muri Beach, and just a short stroll to the lagoon, which is one of the nicest locations, with great swimming and snorkeling. We have free snorkeling gear for guests to use, and push bikes you can use to explore, or for transport. There is also a bus stop right outside, with regular buses to town and around the island. These are actually very reliable and usually on time! We also have two double kayaks that you can hire out for the day. We have a large shared kitchen, lounge, wireless internet and three bathrooms for guests. The large adjoining deck is also a great place to chat, mingle and enjoy meals. There is also a BBQ which guests can use, or there are many nice restaurants within walking distance, if you do not feel like cooking. There are also shops, ATMs and bike/scooter hire facilities close by." Click on the map on the left to go to a map of the island.

About the Island

Rarotonga is so small that it takes only about half a day to walk across it, as you can see from this map . Fittingly, there are only two buses servicing all of Rarotonga: the first circles the island in one direction; the second circles in the opposite direction. The loop takes the buses about an hour, and since they’re staggered, you can expect a bus to swing by every half-hour or so. This is unless you are staying on the Western side of the island where they cross paths at the same time. There are officially designated stops, but the bus driver will pick you up anywhere, just hold your hand out to stop the bus.
There are a several agencies that rent cars on the island. To rent a car you require a valid driver's license from your home country. You then need to buy a CI license from the Police Station in Avarua town. A cheaper option is renting a motor scooter. To drive a scooter you will need a CI scooter licence. If you don't have a motorcycle licence from your home country you'll be required to drive a simple test. Helmets are not mandatory, but it would be wise to rent one with the scooter. It’s not the other motorists or bicyclists you’re in danger of getting into an accident with – its Rarotonga’s wild dog population. Unless you enjoy swerving dangerously (or being responsible for roadkill), keep an eye out for the dogs and drive slowly.
The speed limit around Rarotonga is 50km/h except through the town centre where this is reduced to 30km/h. For motorcycle/scooter riders the speed limit out of the town centre is reduced from 50km/h to 40km/h if you do not wear a crash helmet.

Visit Rarotonga’s Waterfall: Papua Falls is located in southern Rarotonga. It is the island's only waterfall, and is a beautiful, beloved sightseeing spot throughout the year. The best way to see it is on horseback; guided horse tours are available through Rarotonga hotels and the tourist board.

Drive Avatiu Valley: Whether you take your own car or the bus, you'll get the best non-ocean views on the island by driving down into the valley of Avatiu. The gently descending road is both relaxing and scenic.