The Cook Islands consist of 15 islands scattered across 850,000 square miles or 2.2 million square kms of the Pacific Ocean
The Cook Island people are Polynesian.
The Cook Islands are split into the Northern Group - Pukapuka, Manihiki, Rakahanga, Nassau, Suwarrow and Tongareva (Penrhyn) and the Southern Group - Rarotonga (the capital), Aitutaki, Manuae, Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke, Mitiaro, Palmerston and Takutea.
Each island has its unique qualities and offers the visitor a special experience trough the culture which lives on in the vibrant performance of song and dance.
Rarotonga is the largest of the 15 islands and is the capital!
The people of the Cook Islands have their own government and language and enjoy a vigorous and diverse culture with significant differences between each island. Rarotonga is a mere 32kms right around (about 40 minutes by car), with a population of approximately 9,000 people. The main township is Avarua located on the North side of the island.
All international flights land at Rarotonga International Airport and despite around 80,000 visitors to Rarotonga each year, the Cook Islands are largely unspoiled by tourism. Even in the very busy times Rarotonga never feels crowded and you can certainly find your own space - a spot on one of the lovely beaches or the tranquillity of the inland.
Rarotonga as a destination offers a fairly unique opportunity for people from all over the globe to experience a different type of vacation. There are no high-rise hotels nor massive foreshore developments and very little hype yet. The Cook Islands and in particular Rarotonga offers a blend of local culture and spirit plus a few of the necessary urban pleasures.
the beauty of Rarotonga can be expressed in many ways...
...white sand beaches - turquoise lagoons and surrounded by the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean
...a fascinating inland to explore - there is more to this island than beautiful beaches - the highest point is about 653 metres. Guided tours allow you to see this wonderful inland spectacle if you wish
...the warmth and friendliness of the Cook Island people
...the vibrant local culture - Experiencing the music and dance should be at the top of your "to do" list
...great diving, fishing, snorkelling and from July-October whale watching can be experienced from the shore
...extensive variety of accommodation to suit most tastes and budgets. We can help you, our standards are high
...excellent selection of restaurants and cafes dotted around the island
...activities for the children
...visiting some of the other beautiful islands that make up the Cook Islands
...exploration or relaxation - your choice!
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A few other facts...
The people of the Cook Islands are Cook Island Maori.
While English is the official language, Cook Island Maori is widely spoken in the community.
All the land is owned by the people and assigned to families for their use.
Cook Islanders enjoy a relatively high standard of living, Rarotonga is modern but still retains its culture and a community based lifestyle is evident.
Sunday is an accepted rest day with church services beginning at around 10am. Visitors are very welcome.
All signs, menus and local newspapers are in English however you can still learn some common words and greetings.
To sum up, Rarotonga offers a wide range of accommodation, transport, tours and activities, sports, cultural events, art, plus an array of cafes and restaurants, activities for the children and more...
Browse our website for lots of ideas and information!
Every destination is famous for something -