Nick O'Leary has been in Rarotonga for the last 10 weeks, enjoying the tourist-free island and its warm weather and hospitality from locals. Photo / Supplied
Nick O'Leary has been in Rarotonga for the last 10 weeks, enjoying the tourist-free island and its warm weather and hospitality from locals. Photo / Supplied
While most of New Zealand has emerged from a three-week lockdown, one Whanganui man has been spending his days lapping up the sun on a beach in the Pacific Islands.
Since July 1 Nick O'Leary has been in the Cook Islands, where he is staying in an AirBnB in theAorangi District of Rarotonga.
O'Leary decided to make the most of the quarantine-free travel bubble with the Pacific Island nation and escape the chilly winter of Whanganui.
He only planned on being there for a month, but after seeing an old friend from Whanganui who was over there at the same time, he decided to extend his stay.
"He owns a holiday home here and we met up a few times. Before you know it, my month-long stay became two.
"The day before I was suppose to leave, a guy I had met earlier in my stay offered me his house to sit. My stay snowballed from there."
When Covid-19 re-emerged in New Zealand, O'Leary was doing a day trip to Aitutaki with his daughter. On August 18, the Cook Islands suspended the travel bubble with New Zealand.
O'Leary said he was quietly happy to hear about the travel suspension as it meant fewer tourists would be on the island.
"I arrived before the tourist season and suddenly 5000 tourists from New Zealand arrived per week. I like the quiet life.
"When New Zealand went into lockdown, there were daily flights. Now, no one is left except for half a dozen castaways."
A hike to The Needle is a popular tourist activity. Photo / Supplied
This is O'Leary's first time in the Cook Islands, and he has been making the most of the good weather and natural attractions Rarotonga has to offer.
"I like that the island is only 32km around, so it suits a walking guy. There are plenty of mountain hikes. Waterfall swims are a treat.
"I also like the fact that it's always warm - 22 degrees overnight and 25 degrees or so during the day, even if it rains. Being able to swim in the ocean from 6am to 7pm is a plus."
Some highlights included the hike to Te Rua Manga, also known as The Needle, as well as snorkelling at Black Rock, a beach famous for its clear water and water life.
Black Rock is one of the best diving spots around Rarotonga. Photo / Supplied
Mahi mahi and island fries, which includes sliced taro, banana and kumara, are some of the local cuisine he has been enjoying.
O'Leary said he had loved and appreciated the hospitality of the Cook Islanders during his extended holiday.
