Fact Sheets & Video - Cook Islands

If you're looking for an exclusive secluded holiday, Akaiami in the Cook Islands is a hidden paradise. About eight hours' flying time from Sydney, it looks exactly the same as it did 50 years ago, when it was on the most romantic airline route in the world.

The route was known as the Coral Route and went from Samoa to Tahiti. In the air it was glamour and first class all the way, so it's not surprising that many celebrities travelled this route.

Flying boats were the original form of transport to reach the Cook Islands. This service initially ran only once a month, but this gradually increased due to popular demand. The service was eventually terminated and TEAL planes were introduced, which were able to carry 45 passengers and nine crew members. The Aitukaki lagoon became a historical site where the TEAL planes would land to re-fuel ... but when the passengers arrived, they didn't want to leave!

Tearuru Masters and the other locals used to paddle out in their canoes to meet the plane and ferry the passengers across to the island. Before long, movie stars such as John Wayne and Carey Grant were stopping for a few hours and even staying overnight to allow their planes to be serviced. The attraction of Akaiami is obvious, with its the white powder sand, swaying coconut trees, crystal clear waters and plenty of peace and quiet. The Akaiami Lodge is on the same spot as the original flying-boat terminal and is the perfect lagoon beach front hideaway.

The lodge has been reconstructed to replicate the original terminal building, and everything has been kept as authentic as possible. The lodge is self-catering with a fully equipped kitchen and chef on request. It can comfortably sleep up to four people, but extra beds can be provided on request. All the necessary electricity and lighting is supplied in the lodge, but there is no TV, video or radio to distract you from what you came for - peace and relaxation.

Alternatively, you can stay at Gina's Lodge, where you can have your meals cooked for you. The accommodation is basic - but when you're in this part of the world, what more to do you need?

If you don't fancy cooking, let the local chef prepare an 'island feast', which you can enjoy while watching the brilliant colours of the sunset overlooking the beach. The feast includes fish of several varieties and other seafoods which are partly cooked in an earth oven.

You can also try out some traditional dancing with Dorothy, who is a local schoolgirl and one of the extended members of the family who own the lodge. She performs traditional dancing and will happily teach you some moves.

The facts

You can fly weekly to Aitutaki with Air New Zealand and Air Rarotonga. Return flights from Sydney start at $1215 and $1760 from Perth.

Air New Zealand

Tel: 1300 365 525

Air Rarotonga

The Akaiami Lodge sleeps up to four and costs around $520 per night. It's self-catering, or you can hire a chef for around $85.

Akaiami Lodge

Gina's Lodge sleeps up to seven people, and costs $300 per night. It's also self-catering, but meals can be arranged. Prices for both lodges include boat transfers from Aitutaki.

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation

Prices correct at 24/05/04