I'm trying to plan a trip with my mom for her 70th birthday and we've heard wonderful things about the Cook Islands but are still going back and forth on whether to just travel further and visit New Zealand.
Our only concern is most of the information we've found on CI seems to focus on honeymooners and couples, even to the point that a lot of resorts don't accept children under 12. This is probably a totally silly question, but has anyone traveled there with an older parent and is it a good destination if you're not a couple? Will my mom and I feel completely out of place?
Thank you in advance! 
Cook Islands: Only Couples and Honeymooners?
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I have not been to the Cooks, but have traveled extensively throughout the Pacific. The Cooks may be marketed as a destination for honeymooners and couples,but the Pacific Islanders are friendly to all people and have much more respect for the elderly than many other places on earth.
I would have no qualms in travelling there with an older parent. A word of warning it could be very hot during the day and all medications are not so easily accessible so take them with you if they are required.
Thank you, DownUnder, that's wonderful to know and especially about the heat. My mom is from Arizona so heat is the one thing she really likes! Thank you again -- your comments are really appreciated!
Hi Waughooo,
I've been to the Cooks and done site inspections on most of the hotels, which are all geared for couples / honeymooners, which is how the Tourism Board markets it.
If you have the time and can go the extra distance, I'd suggest NZ, I think your mom would enjoy it much more than the Cooks. You could also use the Cooks as a stopover on the way back to break up the flying time.
Hope this is helpful!
Regards,
Melodie
Certified Kiwi Specialist