"RAROTONGA & AITUTAKI" a Cook Islands Travel Page by FletteMette

The Cook Islands, sighted by captain Cook in 1770, consist of fifteen small islands spread over a vast area in the middle of the south Pacific - between Tonga and Samoa to the west and Tahiti and French Polynesia to the east. Early Polynesian settlers discovered these islands by sailing raro (down) and tonga (south) - hence the main island's name.

The Cooks are divided into two distinct groups: In the southern group there are nine mainly volcanic islands, among them Rarotonga which is the capital island. The northern group is made up of six sparsely populated atolls. (Low coral islands)

Most of the around 21 000 inhabitants live in the Southern group, and Rarotonga is by far the most populous island of the Cooks, with around half of these inhabitants. The town of Avarua, on Rarotonga, is the commercial and administrative centre of the Cook Islands - which are self-governing in free association with New Zealand. The Cooks are fully responsible for internal affairs, NZ for external affairs and defense - in consultation with the Cook Islands.

The international airport is on Rarotonga - and most tourists only visit this island. Raro is almost circular in shape - and only 32 km in circumference, so getting around is easy - rent a bike or scooter, and explore the two main roads on Raro. Go hiking through the lush green rainforest in the island's mountainous centre, before enjoying the white beaches and the warm, shark-free, turquoise waters of the lagoon... Aaaah lovely.... :o)

Even the Rarotongan number plates are friendly;o)

Kia Orana can be used as a greeting or a goodbye - it simply means "may you live long" - and everyone you meet in the Cooks will greet you with "Kia Orana!" and a big smile.. :o)

I had for years been dreaming of going to the Cook Islands, so when I finally got to visit these beautiful islands my expectations were sky high - and I was certainly not disappointed...! :o)

White powdery beaches, clear turquoise lagoon with millions of colourful tropical fish, coral reefs, swaying palms, flowers everywhere, friendly & welcoming locals...if this is not a true tropical paradise, what is?