The document provides an overview of the Cook Islands, including its geography, history, culture, activities, and accommodations. Some key points: - The Cook Islands are made up of 15 small islands scattered over 2 million square kilometers of ocean, with Rarotonga being the largest. - Travellers have visited since 400-500 AD, and the islands have a rich cultural history. Christianity arrived in 1820 and the islands came under New Zealand's control in the 1900s. - Rarotonga offers luxury resorts, fine dining featuring local cuisine, shopping for arts/crafts and pearls, and activities like hiking, fishing, and snorkeling beautiful reefs.

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COOKISLANDS

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T
he Cook Islands are made up of 15 small islands; the largest of these is Rarotonga.
The islands cover 241 square kilometres of land in total, scattered over a vast 2
million square kilometres of ocean. Located 3,500 kilometres north of Auckland,
the islands are just east of the dateline and it pays to take this into account when
planning a trip. After a very boisterous and late Saturday night in Auckland, my
husband and I dragged ourselves out of bed in a rather sorry state and made our way
to the airport for a Sunday morning flight to the Cook Islands. Upon arrival in Rarotonga,
we were amazed when we suddenly realised that it was still Saturday night there; it
certainly gave new meaning to the term ‘Groundhog day’.
Travellers have been visiting the Cook Islands for centuries, with the first settlers arriving
around 400 - 500 AD from French Polynesia. To this day, the ruins of numerous ancient
marae (sacred sites) can be seen on many islands, and thus offer us a glimpse of the
island’s early culture. In 1595, Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendana sighted Pukapuka.
In 1606, Pedro Fernandez de Quiros visited Rakahanga where 500 people gathered
to watch the strange ships he arrived in. The islands’namesake, James Cook, visited
the Southern Group in the 1770s. The ill-fated Captain William Bligh sighted Aitutaki
in 1789; just days before the infamous mutiny on the Bounty. Shortly after Bligh, on
April 28th, 1789, mutineer Fletcher Christian sighted Rarotonga. Christianity came to
the Cook Islands in 1820 when John Williams of the London Missionary Society brought
Tahitian missionary Papeiha to Aitutaki and then to Rarotonga. In terms of Government,
the Cook Islands came under British protectorate in 1888; it then became annexed to
New Zealand in 1900. In 1965, the islands returned to self-rule from New Zealand under
the leadership of the much-loved Prime Minister Albert Henry.
RAROTONGA
Pearl of the South Seas
Words by Claire Leonie Russell
Kia orana! From the moment you step off the plane at Rarotonga Airport, you’re
struck with the reality that you really have arrived in a tropical island paradise.
From the sound of a ukulele playing in the background, to the traditional flower
leis (ei kaki), presented to you upon arrival, all give you an overwhelming sense
of having arrived at a little slice of heaven. What better way to start to a holiday?

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ECUADORCOOKISLANDS
From a visitor’s point of view, the Cook Islands are an exotic
South Pacific pearl that should be treasured. With their
sparkling, turquoise lagoons and sun-bleached palm tree-
topped atolls, to lush, tropical vegetation and jagged volcanic
peaks, it’s actually very hard to believe that this tropical island
paradise is just a four-hour flight from New Zealand.
Luxury-lovers looking for the finer things in life will find plenty
of options to pamper, amuse, and indulge themselves. Visitors
looking for top quality accommodation are spoilt for choice with
a range of options available, from boutique accommodation in
individual bungalows right through to prestigious larger-scale
resorts. The incredibly picturesque Muri Beach has some of
the most luxurious accommodation options available in the
area. The Pacific Resort Rarotonga is set amidst a stunning six
acres of lush tropical gardens. Boasting traditional Polynesian
architecture, the resort is the epitome of elegance. For the
super-indulgent, restorative spa treatments are available
on the beach. Sokala Villas boast uniquely-designed timber
villas, many of which have their own private swimming pool.
Rumours of Romance is reputed to have the most luxurious
accommodation in Rarotonga, with its Ultimate Villa featuring
its own movie theatre room complete with a 2.5m screen.
Close to Muri Beach, on the quieter south side of the island, is
Titikaveka Beach. Visitors can choose from the Royale Takitumu
Villas or the Little Polynesian. The Royale Takitumu Villas enjoy
a beautiful setting and are the perfect restful getaway for
stressed-out city dwellers. The Little Polynesian offers luxury
Ares (villas), each with its own private beach-facing gazebo,
daybed overlooking the white sandy beach, and spa tub
under the stars.
From the Pacific Resort Rarotonga, right through to the Little
Polynesian, these truly indulgent boutique resorts are all
about luxury and pure relaxation. For those looking to take
a romantic break to another level, many of these prestigious
resorts are able to organise weddings, either on the beach or
on a motu on the lagoon.
ABOVE: RUMOURS RESORT. RIGHT: ROMANTIC RAROTONGA.

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“From the Pacific Resort Rarotonga, right through to the
Little Polynesian, these truly indulgent boutique resorts
are all about luxury and pure relaxation.”

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If you’re looking for a feast fit for a king, Rarotonga has many
fine dining options. Making the most of local ingredients,
Tamarind House offers some great European cuisine.
Windjammer Restaurant at the Crown Beach Resort is a great
place to dine. With influences from Asia, Europe and the Pacific
Rim; it’s truly an international taste sensation. With its traditional
island menu, Vaima Restaurant & Bar offers diners a taste of
genuine island flavour. Trader Jacks in Avarua is a favourite
watering hole and eating place for both tourists and locals alike.
An Island Night is a must-do for any visitor who wants to get
a taste of traditional Cook Island fare. Most of the major resorts
hold an Island Night, at least once a week. Likely to be on the
menu are: locally caught fish, eke (octopus), kumara, kuru
(breadfruit), taro cooked in coconut milk, and ika mata (a local
speciality of marinated raw fish). Food is cooked in a traditional
underground oven (umu). Dinner is followed by a full cultural
performance of music and dance. The dancers are reputed to
be some of the best in the South Pacific. If you happen to be
visiting Rarotonga during the month of April, you may be lucky
enough to see the Dancer of the Year competition; this event
is a major highlight of the island’s annual calendar.
Another Cook Island speciality is the strong tasting nono juice;
the juice is made from locally-grown nono fruit. It’s a local elixir
reputed to cure everything from fevers to asthma. It is, however,
quite an acquired taste. I once made the mistake of going along
to the Saturday market in Avarua with an empty plastic bottle
to buy a litre of nono juice; just as all the locals do. Just a single
drop was enough to put me off for the rest of my life. Later, I was
told that there’s a watered down version available for tourists
and that it’s important to remember that something that tastes
so awful must be good for you!
The Cook Islands’ bustling capital Avarua, on the north side of
Rarotonga, may not seem such a metropolis to overseas city
dwellers, but to the locals it’s where it all happens. The long
main street, Ara Maire Nui, running right along the waterfront,
is lined with shops, cafes, art galleries and the main tourist
office. Here you’ll find Rarotonga’s main market, Punanga
Nui. It’s well worth a visit, particularly on Saturdays when
you’ll find the biggest range of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish,
craftwork, textiles and souvenirs.
For those in need of a little retail therapy, Rarotonga shopping
includes a wide range of local arts and crafts, as well as the
world-renowned South Pacific pearls. The Beachcomber
Gallery in Avarua is one of the best arts and crafts galleries
in Rarotonga where you’ll find an array of wood carvings,
craftwork, paintings, jewellery and pearls.
The Cook Islands’ pearl industry is centred on the island
of Manihiki; it produces pearls in all sorts of unique colours,
ranging from ocean blue, peacock green, platinum and silver,
through to rose. Ben Bergman, President of the Cook Islands
Pearl Guild, advises that as buying jewellery is a very personal
experience, visitors should take time to browse around
and look at all the different types of pearl jewellery on offer.
Pearl purchases should be accompanied by a certificate
of authenticity/value. Specialist pearl retailers belong to the
Cook Islands Pearl Guild and display a prominent Guild logo.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: AVARUA PORT; LOCAL CHILDREN; ISLAND
NIGHT; LOCAL ARTS & CRAFTS; TASTY SEAFOOD MEAL..
COOKISLANDS

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ECUADOR
For all you thrill-seekers out there, you’ll find game fishing to
be an incredibly exhilarating way to experience a days fishing
around the reef of the beautiful Cook Islands. With steep
drop-offs outside of the reef circling Rarotonga, deep-sea
fisherman will not need to travel far to find some really great
spots. Depending on the season, fish include mahi mahi, tuna,
wahoo, barracuda, sailfish and marlin. The Cook Islands Game
Fishing Clubs in Rarotonga and Aitutaki are a great starting
point if you’re looking for some local insight on the area.
Fishing tour operators include Pacific Marine Charters, Seafari
Charters and Akura Charters.
TOP (L-R): MURI BEACH; SNORKELLING.
BOTTOM (L-R): BEAUTIFUL WIGMORE’S WATERFALL; SCOOTERS ARE
A GREAT WAY TO EXPLORE THE ISLAND.
When it comes to land adventures, the Rarotonga Cross Island
Trek is well worth the effort. Starting from the north side of the
island and scaling up the middle via the needle,‘Te Rua Manga’,
you finish up on the south-side where a quick swim in the
freshwater Wigmore’s Waterfall is the perfect way to cool
off. You’ll need walking shoes, plenty of water and mosquito
repellent. You can expect the trek to take you around three
hours. It can be attempted on your own or as part of an
organised tour; the tour is highly recommended because
it is very easy to take a wrong turn. The most popular tour is that
run by Pa Teuraa, a local herbalist and healer. As a tour guide,
COOKISLANDS

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Pa Teuraa shares his broad
knowledge of the island’s exotic
flora and fauna. For the less energetic, a scenic flight over
Rarotonga is a great way to appreciate the picturesque beauty
of the island. Air Rarotonga operates twenty-minute scenic
flights around the island, taking in the inland-valleys and
plantations, the lagoons, reef, and drop-off.
One of the great traditions visitors have the privilege of
witnessing is the glorious singing that takes place at one
of the many island churches every Sunday morning. The
congregation arrives in their Sunday best, wearing decorative
and skilfully woven hats made from coconut palm fibres. The
islanders of Penrhyn are said to be the best hat weavers in the
Cook Islands. Visitors are very welcome at church services, but
please do remember to go dressed for the occasion.
Muri Beach is the perfect spot for those looking for a more
leisurely pace. The stunning turquoise lagoon is fringed with
white sandy beaches that stretch out to the reef where four
motu (small islands) can be seen dotted across the horizon.
The water is warm, clear, and teeming with brightly coloured
fish and coral. This is a great spot to snorkel and a great place
to marvel at the magnificent array of beautifully coloured
reef fish; included among them is the parrot fish, which you
may even recognise on your plate later at dinner. The beach
itself is the perfect spot to settle back, bury your toes in
the sand and acclimatise yourself to the slow pace of island
life. Alternatively, the Rarotonga Sailing Club, home to the
excellent Sails Restaurant, organises weekend sailing races.
Sea kayaks, windsurfers and snorkelling gear can be hired from
Captain Tama’s AquaSportz Centre, which also operates daily
cruises across the lagoon.
Scuba diving is spectacular just outside Rarotonga’s reef. Divers
can expect to be treated to 4,000 metre drop-offs, excellent
visibility (normally, no less than 30m), stunning shipwrecks,
and for the lucky, sharks and eagle rays. Scuba diving can be
organised through a number of different operations including
Cook Island Divers, Dive Centre, Dive Rarotonga and Pacific
Divers. During whale migration season (July through to
October), a number of operators offer whale watching trips also.
While staying in a beachfront bungalow, we were delighted to
be treated to a display of humpback whales splashing around
and leaping from the water just 150 metres from where we
stood; this was an incredibly humbling experience.
With superb ocean views, the only swim up pool bar in Rarotonga, lagoon-side
sundecks and friendly Polynesian hospitality, Club Raro Resort offers exceptional value
for your next tropical island holiday. Arrive as a guest... leave as a friend.
E: holiday@clubraro.co.ck www.clubraro.co.ck

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ECUADOR
For me, the highlight of any trip to the Cook Islands has to
be a visit to Aitutaki. Flying into the island from Rarotonga,
catching sight of the most breathtaking lagoon I had ever
seen, dotted with idyllic islands and fringed by the azure-blue
waters of the Pacific Ocean, was a sight I will never forget.
The sheer beauty of the place made it the first choice for our
honeymoon, but it’s the friendliness of the islanders that has
kept us coming back for more.
Flying Air Rarotonga, many visitors make a day trip of the
40-minute flight from Rarotonga to Aitutaki. Those with a few
days to spare certainly won’t regret taking time for a longer
break in Aitutaki. Located north of Rarotonga, the sight of
Aitutaki’s lagoon is one of the Cook Islands’ most beautiful
physical features. Do remember to take mosquito repellent;
the mosquitoes are particularly partial to a bite or two.
For those choosing to stay on the island, Aitutaki has two
luxurious options; the Pacific Resort Aitutaki and the Aitutaki
Lagoon Resort. The award-winning Pacific Resort Aitutaki offers
beachfront suites and villas, private sundecks and an unparalleled
level of service. This includes little personal touches such as having
delicious cookies left on your pillow; these are almost too much
after having been treated to a sumptuous dinner at the resort’s
Rapae Bay Restaurant. Aitutaki Lagoon, Resort & Spa is located on
its own private island within a stunning lagoon and offers both
over water and garden thatched villas.
The Cook Islands are fast becoming a serious competitor to
other high-end resorts found in the traditional South Pacific
holiday destinations of Fiji and Tahiti.
GETTING THERE
A direct flight from Auckland to Rarotonga takes just
under four hours. Air New Zealand operates regular
direct-flights from Auckland, Christchurch, North
America (LA), and Fiji. Air New Zealand also connects
flights from Australia, Asia and Europe.
Pacific Blue, operate direct weekly services out of
New Zealand with connecting flights from Australia.
Air Rarotonga, in partnership with Air Tahiti, operates
weekly services from Papeete, Tahiti.
WHEN TO GO
The Cook Islands enjoy a pleasantly warm and sunny
climate all year round. The drier cooler season runs
from April to November, with the warmer more humid
season running from December to March.
GETTING AROUND
Rarotonga is only 32 kilometres in circumference. You can
reach most places by foot, island bus, or scooter.
If you’re looking for a little more comfort, you can hire
a car. To hire a car or motorbike in the Cook Islands, it’s
essential that you obtain a driving licence from the police
station in Avarua; this will cost you NZD$10.00. It’s not a
complicated process by any means and your Cook Islands
driving licence will make a pretty unique souvenir to keep
in your wallet.
TOP: GLORIOUS BLUE WATERS OF AITUTAKI LAGOON.
LEFT: AERIAL VIEW OF AITUTAKI.
COOKISLANDS