Golfers who missed hitting the radio antennae and guy wires on the Rarotonga course can try again at the nine-hole course at the Aitutaki Golf Club, on the north end of the island between the airport and the sea. Balls hit onto the runway used to be playable, but broken clubs and increasing air traffic put an end to that. You can rent equipment at the clubhouse. The club has neither a phone nor regular hours, but the hotels and guesthouses can arrange rentals and tee times. Members are more likely to volunteer to mow the greens between May and August than during the wetter summer months

The outer reef area offers a diverse range of diving locations with superb visibility, usually ranging from 100 to 200 feet, depending on wind and weather. Canyons, caves and varieties of coral, make it a most unusual terrain. There are also wrecks to explore and fish to hand feed. Rarotonga boasts crystal clear waters and warm inviting temperatures between 23 and 30 degrees celsius. All diving is shore based with the diving boats in the 5 to 7 meter size range. Trips usually depart in both the morning and afternoon.

Waterfall: is about 1km in from the main road, about 3 km past the Rarotongan beach resort is Wigmores waterfall, the only waterfall on Rarotonga. You can walk or drive (4WD, motor bike or bicycle). The road to the waterfall then passes farmland but soon turns tropical with huge vines wrapped around the tall trees and a cascading stream bordering the path. The beauty of the rainforest and the stream makes the walk worthwhile.

The Aroa Pony Trek: is situated just behind the Rarotongan resort and offers a 2 and a half hour horseback ride to Wigmores waterfall and back along the beach. The cost is $40/adult and $25/child.

Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruise is a four and a half hour glass bottom boat tour of Muri Lagoon. The cruise takes you to one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. The coral and fish are brilliant. If you don’t want to snorkel you can swim next to the boat or sit and watch the fish as they are fed. The cruise then takes you to an island off Muri beach where a barbeque lunch of grilled fish, cooked bananas and salads is served. The captain then puts on a show of sarong tying and coconut husking and you have plenty of time to explore the island or swim in the sparkling waters of the lagoon. The kids can go hermit crab hunting . The cost was $150/family . Snorkeling gear is provided, but flipper sizes were limited for kids, so it would be advisable to take you own or get some from your resort to take with you.

Hire a car or bike: Spend a day driving around the island. You can drive around in under an hour and you can pick the best spots for a swim and snorkel. Then you then can check out the inland road, which takes you past plenty of places of interest, past farms and up to the hospital for some great views of the island.

4WD Raro mountain Safari Tours: features a tour into the valleys and up to the mountain tops around the island for some stunning views of the island. The cost is $60/adult and $30/child and includes light refreshments.

Shopping: A good souvenir to take home is a Cook Islands ukulele. The ukuleles are made by the inmates and sell for $60 in the shops.

Hiking:There are plenty of walks and hiking trails around the island. They range from easy to very hard. The Pa’s Mountain Walk offers a choice if a 4 hour Nature walk or a 4 hour Cross island trek. The cost is $50/adult and $20/child.

Snorkeling: is probably the most popular activity on the island, with the natural lagoon that surrounds the island making it perfectly safe. You can stop at most places around the island and snorkel straight off the beach. There are some areas that are marked as dangerous so take a local map with you. Bring your own snorkel and flippers to save hassles trying to find ones that fit you and your kids and invest in a disposable underwater camera for some great shots of the fish and coral.

A Cultural guided tour f the Cultural Village includes information and demonstrations of the Cook Islands culture, weaving, coconut husking, wood carving, cooking, Maori medicine, fishing and costume making. The tour includes lunch and a show and costs $50/person. There is also a circle island tour available for $45/person.

Other activities available include a plane trip to the beautiful island of Aitutaki ($389/adult and $195/child), diving, kayaking, reef walking, Island NiteLife tour, garden tours and fishing.

Legal age of consent to marry is 20 years,otherwise written approval by parents required.
Application for License must be made in person to the Registrar of Marriages in the Cook Islands at least 3 working days prior to the marriage.

Documents Needed. Your passport and birth certificate will be required when filling out the ” Notice of Intended Marriage” at the Registrars Office. If divorced a copy of the Decree Absolute in English will be required.

Fees:
Marriage Licence $50.00.
Marriage Certificate $15.00
Marriage Waiver Fee ( If you wish to be married less than the 3 days residency requirement) $45
Marriage Ammendment Fee $20.00
Church Minister or Priest a donation ( we suggest minimum of $50.00)
Marriage Celebrant $100.00
Registrar of the Court. Free if conducted between 8am and 4pm week days and in courtroom only.
Registrars will conduct the wedding between 4pm & 6pm away from courtroom for $45.00.

Churches on the Island:

Cook Islands Christian Church, (Protestant) Latter Day Saints, Seventh Day Adventists, Roman Catholic.It will be necessary to check with your local minister regarding the requirements to marry in the Church as they will also apply to the Cook Islands.

If you want time to stand still on your next romantic getaway, then The Cook Islands is perfect for you. The Cook Islanders are a warm, genuine people who will welcome you with their beautiful big smiles and friendly eyes. They have a wonderful sense of humour, and enjoy seeing guests get pleasure from their island paradise.

When in the Cook Islands, you and your partner can savour the pure indulgence of being strummed to - on a dreamy stretch of deserted beach - by a trio of island minstrels, as you sip a daiquiri and contemplate the glorious setting sun. Cook Islanders have chosen to preserve and retain much of their old ways, and so their cherished culture lives on.

The Cook Islands is a true Pacific Islands island paradise, and is an ideal romantic holiday choice. You have a range of hotels to choose from, and regardless of your taste or budget, there is something to suit every romantic dream

Air New Zealand flies directly to Rarotonga from Los Angeles, Tahiti, Fiji, and Auckland. Aloha Airlines has service between Honolulu and Rarotonga, with stops in American Samoa each way. Royal Tongan Airlines has service between Auckland and Rarotonga.

2.Do I require a visa to Cook Islands?

A bona-fide visitor (any person who enters the Cook Islands solely for recreation or vacation/holiday), does not require an entry permit, provided he/she possesses proof of onward passage (booked and paid) for stays of not more than 31 days. Extension permits are usually granted for visitors wanting to stay over 31 days. All visitors are required to have a valid passport, proof of onward passage, adequate financial means of supporting stay, and suitable accommodation. Applications can be made upon arrival at the Immigration Department.

3.What is The local currency and banking hours?

The denomination of currency used in the Cook Islands is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). The Westpac Bank in Avarua opens weekdays from 9am - 3pm and on Saturdays from 9am.

4.What kind of medical facilities available in the island?

A range of medical and dental services are available on Rarotonga. This includes a hospital and emergency services, as well as an optometrist. Various pharmacies are available for prescription medicine.

The Rarotonga General Hospital caters for both minor and major injuries, however there are other health centres on the outer islands, which handle minor injuries and medical problems. In the case of major injuries or other medical difficulties in the outer islands they are usually referred to the Rarotonga General Hospital by air transport. All major injuries can be stabilized at the Rarotonga General Hospital prior to evacuation by earliest plane to Auckland, New Zealand.

5.What kind of electric power supply available ?

Voltage is 220 AC/50 cycle, the same as New Zealand and Australia. In some cases, a two pin adapter may be required. Some hotels and motels have provisions for 110 volt AC electric razors.

6.Is it safe to drink the normal tap water ?

Don’t drink the tap water unless you are sure it comes from a rainwater catchment, and boil it even if it does

7.What kind of activities are available in the island?

Boating, Golf, Hiking, Scuba Diving, Fishing, Horseback Riding,Snorkelling, Tennis etc

8.Is it Legal to get married in Cook Islands?

Yes.

9.How is the night Life?

Cook Islanders are some of the most fun-loving folks you will meet in the South Pacific, and you can easily catch their spirit. Every evening except Sunday is a party night, and especially Friday when the pubs stay open until 2am (they close promptly when the Sabbath strikes at Sat midnight). And as with their Tahitian cousins, the infectious sound of the traditional drums starts everyone dancing.

Umukai is followed by entertainment - kariori. Guests are greeted with the fast-paced tempo of drums, and then dancing by island men and women dressed in traditional costume. Cook Islanders excel at dancing, singing and drumming. Before they are old enough to start school, children pick up traditional music, movements and rhythm. The kariori evening includes songs and plays; audience participation is a highlight of most shows.

Rarotonga has more than two dozen licensed bars and restaurants, with many offering a good selection of live entertainment and house music. Local dance bands are extremely popular and will often play a special blend of Polynesian rock ‘n’ roll. Many of Rarotonga’s venues are legendary - a night out is a must for many visitors. Friday night is generally the most popular night to go out, when closing time is 2am. Clubs are open until midnight the rest of the week. Selected resorts offer guided trips that include all transport and cover charges.

The trips usually visit three or more places and can be a great way to meet people. Theme nights can add to the evening’s entertainment. In Polynesia, both the men and women do the asking when it comes to dancing, so there is no point in being shy. Whatever you do, make an effort to go out at least one night of your stay. You will enjoy the food, the change of pace and the chance to make new friends.

Mix the dining experience with pulsating drums and sensual dance troupes and you are guaranteed a night of special magic, The special buffet style diners and accompanying dance shows are a must for any visitor.

The traditional Polynesian feast is known as the umukai, and involves baking food in an underground oven. The umu is the underground oven, a deep pit filled with scorching hot stones from mountain streams. Damp sacking and shredded banana trunks are placed over the hot stones which soon causes rising of steam. The traditional food is known as kai and consists of chicken, pork, fish and vegetable dishes. The kai is placed in the umu, whereupon everything is covered up with more leaves and earth and allowed to steam for around two hours, keeping in all the natural juices of the food.

The feast is followed by enthralling entertainment - kariori. Guests are greeted with the fast paced tempo of drums, followed by sensual dancing by island men and women dressed in traditional costume. Cook Islanders excel at dancing, singing and drumming. Before they are old enough to start school, children pick up traditional music, movements and rhythm. The kariori evening also includes traditional songs and plays, and audience participation is a highlight of most shows.

Rarotonga offers a little of everything so once you have tried the ‘umukai’ feasts you may like to visit some of the other restaurants. Restaurants range from high class to friendly island style’ cafe restaurants. The food selection includes superb international cuisine through to the old favourites - Chinese, Italian and Continental. Much of the food used in restaurants comes from New Zealand and is flown in fresh or frozen, Generally fresh local vegetables are used, as well as seafood. Most restaurants have their own fish suppliers and what is on the menu will reflect the catch of the day. The main fish on the menu will be tuna, mahi mahi (dolphin fish) and parrot fish. Another seafood specialty is curried octopus. Along with fresh fish and vegetables, visitors should sample the tantalising tropical fruits. Even if you don’t try the fruit at night, you will find pineapples, pawpaw (papaya) and bananas make a delicious breakfast. The overall quality), and presentation of food in the Cook Islands is very high, and a variety of international dishes are available.

Where possible try some of the traditional local foods such as eke (octopus), taro (tuber vegetable). rukau (spinach-like taro leaves, kumara (sweet potato) and poke (pawpaw pudding). Coconuts grow all year round, and the cream from grated coconut flesh is used in many island dishes. The best known dish is ika mata, fresh cubes of raw fish marinated in lime and coconut cream - also known as kokada in Fiji and poisson cru in Tahiti. There are no rivers flowing out into the sea through mangrove trees needed for oysters, crabs and prawns, and therefore these are not common in the Cooks. There are crayfish however, and the best place for these is Aitutaki.

Many of the restaurants, cafes and takeaways have been influenced by New Zealand cuisine and tastes. This is most obvious in the presentation of light fare which may include battered fish and chips (French fries), mixed grill including bacon, sausages, eggs and salad, plus the ever present hamburger and meat pie. The great foods on offer from Rarotongan restaurants are also complemented by European, Southeast Asian and Indian cuisine’s. Chinese food is available too, but it is a culinary field which is less represented than in many other countries because Chinese immigration was prohibited by the colonial government for many years.

Whatever style of cuisine you find tempting, you’ll be impressed by the friendly, helpful service. The staff are always willing to meet your every need and are only too happy to explain any dishes you might like to try. Tipping is not customary. All Rarotongan restaurants are licensed with a good selection of ales, wines, spirits and tropical cocktails. For a pure fruit juice sensation you can’t go past trying freshly squeezed orange, guava, mango or passionfruit. Most types of Australian and New Zealand wines are available, as well as most types of liquor. Rarotonga Breweries produces a range of natural beer which is very popular.

Some restaurants have transfers at a nominal charge and accommodation places can also arrange transport. This civilised service is a good start to creating a pleasant atmosphere and also makes the return journey quite safe. When making a booking by telephone, the customer should ask to be collected from their accommodation at a given time, and they are later returned whenever ready. In the cooler months of June through to August, a light jacket or sweatshirt may be required when temperatures drop to around 18′C. Most restaurants have gentle breezes wafting through them with the use of ceiling fans. On the other hand, many restaurants have opted for the open plan look which simply allows the cool evening breezes to drift in.

In Avarua shops line the main road from Avatiu Harbour to the Portofino Restaurant. Shopping hours are normally from 8am to 4pm during the week, and from 8am to noon on Saturdays. Some resort and village shops are open during the evening and on Sunday, and the airport shops are open for international flights. The Cook Islands have avoided the trap of encouraging pushy sales people offering dubious goods. In fact, the retailers in general are extremely obliging and gracious and are even inclined to refer you to another shop if they think a certain item will better suit your needs. Visitors can breathe a sigh of relief in knowing that the quality of goods is high and they are reasonably priced, If you decide to buy something do not attempt to bargain as this is not an accepted custom in the Cook islands.

The duty free traders are mainly centered in Avarua with a few shops in resorts and at the airport, The several duty free shops offer an array of competitively priced goods ranging from cameras, watches, stereos, fine china and famous brand perfumes. Rarotonga’s largest department store is the Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC) offering Avarua’s widest selection of goods.

The CITC has its origins in the colonial days of last century when it not only supplied goods for the local community, but also exported local produce in its own sailing vessels, There are also a number of smaller island-style general stores where you might sample some of the tropical jams and preserves which also make inexpensive gift items. Another good souvenir item is a CD or tape of local groups performing the drum dance. The wild and frenzied tempo of the music is bound to revive your best memories of the Cooks. You might also like to consider purchasing a book about the Cook Islands - the Bounty Bookshop has a good selection. Other specialty stores in Rarotonga include fashions, gifts, stationery, chemists, camera shops, arts and crafts and of course exquisite pearl shops.

Mother of pearl and other highly polished shells make distinctive pieces which are often admired. Black and red coral also make popular jewellery items, whether locally produced or imported they make most unusual forms of jewellery. Rarotonga is blessed with many fragrant and exotic flowers, and these are used in locally produced perfumes, oils and soaps. The most fragrant scents are tipani (frangipani), tiare (gardenia), and pitate (jasmine). The islands’ handicrafts are highly prized. Wood carvings, fine grass skirts and baskets are all locally produced. The handicrafts may appear common in the shops, but back home they will make great conversation pieces. One of the first things a visitor should buy is a brightly coloured pareu. It is an all-purpose wrap around cloth garment easily worn by both men and women, and is ideal for casual wear in the hot island climate. A pareu sells for around NZ$15 (and upwards).

Dresses, skirts and blouses of the same material are popular with women. Men can pick up an island style aloha shirt of the same material for around NZ $25 to NZ $40 Joyce Peyroux Garments and TAV Ltd. are large local clothing manufacturers. For the discerning shopper with an eye for a good buy, TAV’s tropical sundresses can be bought at local outlets for half the price you might pay in Hawaii. Visitors should also check out the dozen or so clothing outlets for everything from island style clothing, made to measure garments and ready to wear exclusive imports.

Another memento of the Cooks could be one of a very colourful range of Cook Islands stamps - sought after the world over. Birds, fish, corals and flowers have all been featured in the stamps which make a very portable souvenir of the country and an asset to any collection. Similarly, Cook Islands banknotes are avidly sought by collectors throughout the world. Some of the older notes include a renowned image of ‘Ina and the Shark’ by local artist Rick Welland. If you appreciate art vou may like to add something or start a collection of your own. The Cook Islands’ superb climate and relaxed lifestyle have attracted a number of fine artists from foreign lands. These artists are keen to welcome visitors to their studios where works range from colourful tropical oil paintings to portraits, sketches and water colours of island scenes.

With its jagged peaks and and sparkling aquamarine lagoon, Rarotonga is a jewel in the Pacific Ocean. This beautiful Island was one of the last in Cook Islands to be visited by European ships and has since become a favorite of sailors from all over the world. Rarotonga is surrounded by a lagoon which extends several hundred yards to the edge of a fringing reef The lagoon is a focal point of interest for visitors to Rarotonga. As the largest, most populated and main island, Rarotonga has most of the hotels and tourist activities and services. There are some excellent resorts on the island, including the Edgewater, and Rarotongan Sunset.

The island is only 32 kilometres in diameter, and is easily explored by bus (leaving every half hour from Avarua), motorbike, bike and even foot. Beaches and accessible reef are within easy reach and swimming is safe in most places, but the most popular beaches are Muri Beach and Titikaveka.

Surfing is growing in popularity, especially near the wreck of the Matai and at Avatiu, Avarua and Matavera. Windsurfing is particularly good at Muri Beach and the lagoon at Nagatangiaa.

The capital, Avarua, is the main administrative, commercial and service centre, with a lot of tourist attractions. For example, the National Cultural Centre shares a compound with the National Library and Museum and has some excellent displays of the islands’ history and handicrafts. The National Library and Historical Society Museum are also in the town and worth visiting.

Artwork and crafts can be viewed and purchased at the Women’s Handicraft Centre, Akatikitiki Art Gallery, Island Crafts and Perfumes of Raratonga, as well as in artists’ homes and several of the hotels or small shops. Also not to be missed is the market on the waterfront at the western end of Avarua. This is open every day except Sunday.

Avarua also has many other shops, including some duty free shops that sell clothes, food and tourist paraphernalia. It also has well-stocked supermarkets.

With religion playing such an important part in the people’s lives, the churches in Rarotonga are an attraction of their own. The old London Missionary Society schoolhouse, built in 1845, has been restored and is now an art gallery and sales outlet for Cook Island black pearls and jewellery and local arts and crafts. The Takamoa Mission House, believed to be the second oldest building in the South Pacific, was built as a school in 1842 by the London Missionary Society. The Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church was built in 1855 of coral and lime, and has an interesting churchyard. Other churches around the island are also interesting edifices, made as they are from coral.

Archaeological remains are also dotted around the island and are easily accessible. The palace of Makea, Pare O Tane, is at Taputapuatea in Avarua. The Arai-Te-Tonga is one of the most sacred spots on the island, being home to the royal court in pre-European times; the stone structures (Koutu) were used for the investiture of high chiefs, annual tribal feasts and the ‘presentation of the first fruit’.

The ‘Great Road of Toi’, the Ara Metua, is an all-weather inland road, made in part with paved stones, that almost encircles the island, and was built 1000 years ago. There is also the Black Rock or Tuoro, which is the traditional point of departure for souls as they commenced their journey back to the fatherland. It’s now a popular swimming place.

There are a number of treks on Rarotonga, from easy walks to strenuous hikes. One of the more popular is a four hour guided walk across the island that stops at the Needle, a rock formation with fabulous views. Papua Waterfall at Vaimaanga, the largest waterfall on the island, dropping into a large pool. Visitors can also walk through the Takitumu Nature Reserve with its abundant plant and bird life.

More and more divers are coming to the Cook Islands and top quality dive operations are available. Diving features visibility up to 200 feet, a spectacular drop off, canyons, caves and wrecks. The most popular places are the Ngatatangiia Swimthrough, Matavera Drop off, Mataora Wreck, Papu Canyon, Sand River and Koromiri Coral Garden. Fishing is another growing sport and ranges from night fishing with the locals to serious game fishing. There are a number of companies that offer fishing charters for both novices and experienced fisher people for deep sea fishing, saltwater fly fishing and light tackle game fishing. Game fishing starts right outside the Avatiu harbour, which is where most of the charter boats are based.

Sailing is also available at the Raratonga Sailing Club, based at Avatiu Harbour. This is usually home to most visiting yachties, too.

Whale watching tours are available from July to September as humpback and pilot whales ply the waters and calve here. While the whales can be seen from shore, some tours go right up to the curious whales.

CAPITAL CITY

Avarua is the main town, situated on Rarotonga, and is the centre of development on the island.

AITUTAKI

Like Rarotonga, Aitutaki has a large range of activities, but has a very different ambience from its larger neighbour. It’s lush tropical gardens and pristine beaches are very special, as are the friendly people. Visitors, who cannot stay on the island, often find it very worthwhile to take a day trip from Rarotonga.

The Aitutaki lagoon is arguably one of the most beautiful in the world and abounds with marine life to delight the snorkeller, particularly the iridescent giant clam. Due to the shallow lagoon, snorkelling is easy. The most popular swimming, snorkelling and picnic spots are on the small islets to the southeast, each of which has a legend associated with it, such as One Foot Island.

Sailing, diving and fishing (flycasters and light tackle anglers) are all available. For those wanting to explore the island, there is a thirty-minute trek to the highest point, behind the hospital, that has excellent views. The Te-Poaki-O-Rae (stone of Rae) is a marae with volcanic rocks arranged in rows facing the main pillar. Other maraes are nearby.

Vaipae and Tautu Villages are distinctive for their old coral and lime churches that add an extra dimension to worshipping.

Visitors are welcome at the Research Station of the ministry of Marine Resources, which is open daily and has species of giant clams and baby sea turtles for visitors to see and learn about.

The villages have handcrafts, souvenirs and island-style fashions for sale.

In the main village of Arutanga, a basic market sells all the things you’ve never wanted or needed but it is charming enough. Accommodation in Aitutaki ranges from budget to luxury. The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort offers private accommodation in a isolated corner of the Island. On the eastern side of Aitutaki, the Aitutaki Lodges offer six self-contained studio chalets on the edge of a lagoon with verandahs that face the rising sun. The Maina Sunset Motel is on the west side near the town area of Arutanga, Rino’s Apartments offers four garden units with balconies, separate bathrooms and full cooking facilities. Further along from Ralphies Bar and Grill towards the north end of the island, the Sunny Beach Lodge is also good value. In Arutanga itself the Tupuna Cafe provides a good venue for breakfast. The high point of any visit to Aitutaki is a lagoon cruise. Several operators provide a lagoon cruise and most boats go to Tapuatae, One Foot Island, at the far south-eastern corner of the huge lagoon.

ATIU

The island of Atiu is the only other island that more than the occasional tourist visits, though there is only one small hotel there. But the beaches are beautiful and include Oravaru Beach, where Captain Cook was thought to first land.

The island is only small, and it’s easy to see all there is in the way of plantations, crops, fruit trees, forest, the makatea and archaeological ruins. Atiu coffee is famous and sold throughout the Islands and exported.

While there are many beautiful beaches for lazing and collecting shells on, swimming isn’t easy, apart from the deeper water at Taunganui Harbour. However, at low tide there is some good snorkelling at Takauroa Beach and the Coral Garden, where tropical fish are trapped by the tide. Oneroa Beach has lovely shells.

Birdwatchers will love this raised coral island, which has a greater variety of land birds than any other island. They can be found nesting on the magnificent cliffs and pinnacles and in caves. The Anatakitaki Cave is spectacular in itself and for the Atiu swiftlet, which issues clicking sounds for echolocation.

The Vai Momoiri Track wanders through the beautiful scenery of the island and there are many caves in the makatea that can be explored.

Crafts are an important part of the women’s lives; they are very proud of their tivaevae, the colourful patterned bedspreads, hangings, handbags and other accessories.

Atiu is also the home of tumunu, or home brew and visitors often join in the elaborate ceremony that accompanies a drinking session.

The best place to stay is the Atiu Motel situated at the southern end of the Island.

MAUKE

Located in the south-eastern corner of the Cook Islands lies Mauke, a raised atoll named after its legendary founder, Uke. Encircled by the characteristic fossilised cliffs of makatea, Mauke is virtually flat with its centre about 100 feet (30 m) above sea level. The island has a circumference of 12 miles (18 km). Mauke has a special atmosphere. Its people cleave to the old customs of hospitality - the ui tupuna - and they are very friendly to visitors.

People from overseas need to adjust to a different pace and style. Shops are few and far between, are often closed and the range of goods on offer is limited. There are no cafés or restaurants, milk has to be bought in powder form in cans and fresh home-baked bread comes from an old gentleman in Ngatiarua village who bakes loaves in a wood-fired oven.

Mauke offers numerous coves and white beaches as well as caves in which to swim. Energetic travellers can enjoy hiking through the luxuriant jungle interior. Probably the best way to explore Mauke is by rented bicycle.

Visitors can stay at either the Mauke Cove Lodge, guest house which is an old coral limestone cottage, or at the Tiare Holiday Cottages.

OTHER SOUTHERN ISLANDS

Mangaia Island is known for its arts and crafts, including a unique adze, and its interesting caves. Accommodation options include Babe’s Place on the west coast and the Ara Moana Hotel on the east coast.

Mitiaro has blue lagoons and white sandy beaches, but is far from the usual tourist trail. It is one of the largest islands in the Cooks group; it rises deep from the ocean to 4500m and is fringed by fossilised coral 20 to 4o ft high. The centre is almost flat, quite swampy and contains two freshwater lakes. Beaches are limited on Mitiaro but there are crystal clear rock pools ideal for a cooling swim. Mitiaro is definitely a place for visitors who want to put their feet and and unwind with a good book.

The only true atoll of the Cook Islands is Manuae.

NORTHERN ISLANDS

Not all northern islands have accommodation or tourist facilities, but are slowly opening up to tourists, particularly yachties.

However, Penrhyn has a natural harbour and is a commercial centre for the northern islands and is easily accessible. It is famous for its natural coloured pearls. Visitors will enjoy the archaeological sites that dot the island. Rakahanga is a game fishing paradise, and host to the annual tuna competition. Manihiki is famous for its ‘black’ pearls; they are actually grey, blue, and green and glow with many colours of the rainbow.

Pukapuka, which has a reputation for romance, is tiny but compelling, with excellent swimming, snorkelling and handicrafts, particularly the fine weaving of mats.

Suwarrow Island is the original Treasure Island, where buried chests full of treasure from Spanish galleons were found last century. New Zealand author and recluse, Tom Neale, lived there as a hermit for six years and wrote An Island to Oneself about his experience. The island is now a national park due to its sea-bird breeding grounds and is uninhabited except for a caretaker. Suwarrow is a very special place for yachties to visit, with the magnificence of the birds and its large and beautiful lagoon.

WILDLIFE

The Cook Islands’ geographic isolation means there is a variety of wildlife not found anywhere else, including an abundance of native ferns, flowering plants, fish, lizards, insects and birds. The birds include the chattering kingfisher, Mangaia kingfisher, red-tailed tropic bird, kakerori, Atiu swiftlet (kopeka) and blue lorikeet. Humpback whales use the warm Cook Islands waters to calve after migrating north from their Antarctic feeding grounds, and can be seen from July to October. Some islands are also nesting grounds for turtles.

NATIONAL AND MARITIME PARKS

Takitumu Conservation Area on Rarotonga, managed by traditional landowners, is home to the endangered Rarotongan Flycatcher and the Giant Kingfern and ‘gentle nature walk’. Suwarrow Island is the Suwarrow National Park, an important sea-bird breeding area in the South Pacific. Numerous large and interesting coral knolls also spot the lagoon.