Katie does the islands by katie84

ok so I was wrong. I had a blissful 10 days in Fiji staying in Korotogo a really quaint town on the Coral Coast, on the south coast from Nadi to Suva. Spent a while in the BeacHouse which is a real backpacker hangout. Really chilled place and we had great weather. Met some cool people  a special shout to Johan and Craig. Great days boys! Stayed in Suva for 2 days but nothing much there. Then got the bus back to Nadi with a very very good tan and some gr8 memories! How wrong first impressions can be sometimes!

Flew to Auckland but not seeing NZ as its middle of winter and I am a sun lover! Got a flight straight to Sydney and my chance to see Oz, the ultimate island. Too cold there so its the north and the barrier reef that is the focus for my world island tour. Its hot hot hot here!

I miss Raratonga  I got to Fiji a couple of days ago and its nowhere near as nice as the Cook Islands, I want to go back there, now!

I'm staying in Nadi until tomorrow and then I'm going to find a tropical beach somewhere. I know its beautiful here - I've seen the pics - but Nadi isn't  that special and I've had enough. I need to find paradise again...

I had a good few days in Moorea but again it was soooo expensive and I was so pleased when i landed in the Cook Islands. The main island here is Raratonga and it is the most special place I have ever been. The color of the water is amazing. Its totally turquoise and you just want to stay in it all day. Its also a really good value place but beware the local beer, it is really really strong. 9% proof! I'm leaving tomorrow but have had a great time cycling round the island - you can do it in a couple of hours - and just chilling, reading etc.

The locals are great and we went to a sunday church service where they made us really welcome.

I've only spent about $40 a day all in which is a great change from French Polynesia! This is an awesome place, make sure you come here soon.

I'm currently in Moorea trying to recover after 4 nights in Tahiti that nearly broke me financially . It is so expensive there. I know everyone told me it would be but you don't really believe it until yuo see if for yourself. Thanks for letting me share your hotel for a couple of nights Mandy and Jenny, you were life savers!

I didn't really think it was that great there really. There is a main highway around the island and although the sea is a stunning color and there are palm trees coming down onto white sand you don't feel like you are on a beautiful tropical paradise that much. Soory for moaning it just that I have spent soooo much money here

Moorea has much cheaper accommodation which is good but it is still not backpacker prices. I've just spent $150 a night in Tahiti and here its $70, ouch. Can't wait to go to the Cook Islands where hopefully it's cheaper.