Page 13 - Pacific Paradises 2019

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— Cook Islands — Cook Islands —

RAROTONGA

Surrounded by a clear, turquoise canoes that are still proudly part of the will often be invited to join with the
blue lagoon, Rarotonga is 32 traditional way of life. They were guided hip-swaying dancers when the music
kilometres in circumference. by their knowledge of the stars and the begins. Fishing, paddling, sailing, stand
famous power of Polynesian navigation. up paddle boarding, snorkelling and
The lagoon often extends more than Rarotonga is a small volcanic island with swimming are just some of the activities
a hundred metres to the reef and then a landmass of only 26 square miles. It that abound in this tropical paradise.
slopes steeply to deep water. If you feel like more adventure, take a
is dotted with pretty villages, a friendly
The reef fronts the shore to the atmosphere, lovely mountain views and trip into the hinterland and experience
north of the island, making the hiking trails. It has a reputation for the unique flora and fauna of the lush
lagoon there unsuitable for swimming excellent snorkelling off the beaches that rainforests. Take time to listen to the
and watersports, but to the southeast, line most of the coast. Rarotonga enjoys legends of ancient wars and love affairs
particularly around Muri, the lagoon is a climate that is warm and sunny all year that stretch far back into an almost
at its widest and deepest. This part of the round. There is more rain and higher forgotten time.
island is the most popular with tourists humidity between the summer months Getting around Rarotonga is easy. With
for swimming, snorkelling and boating. of December to March. The high season no traffic lights to be seen, relax and
Agricultural terraces, flats, and swamps for tourism is during Christmas when meander on a bus around the island.
surround the central mountain area. New Zealanders and Australians visit Buses uniquely travel both clockwise and
during their summer school holidays. anticlockwise on the road that circles the
Rarotonga is the main island of the Cook
Islands and caters to almost 90 percent Tradition and a cultural heritage are island and obliging drivers will pick-up
of the country’s tourist accommodation trademarks of the island. Music is and drop-off at will. Scooters are also a
and offers many activities. The an integral part of the culture and popular mode of transport.
population is approximately 13,000, part of the islander’s daily routine. While nurturing its culture and
mostly indigenous Cook Islands Maori Stunning chants and hymns emanate tradition with sensitivity and pride,
and almost half living around Avarua from the churches and local string Rarotonga is also very much part of the
on the north coast. The Maori ancestors bands use a combination of electronic present and offers everything today’s
landed on the Cook Islands in their and traditional ukuleles made from visitors expect. Experience Rarotonga
magnificent, giant double-hulled coconut shells to entertain. Visitors and you will not be disappointed.

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