Page 10 - Pacifia Paradises - 2020

— Cook Islands —

Rarotonga. Atiu has a varied but smaller selection of backpacker to Food and entertainment
mid-range accommodation available. Only basic needs are met on the Nightspots and bars will, on occasion, have live entertainment.
islands of Mauke, Mitiaro (which recently launched a new homestay A highlight of the Cook Islands is the Polynesian feast, umukai,
operation) and Mangaia. prepared in the traditional style with foods such as ika mata
Visiting more than Rarotonga (marinated fish with coconut sauce), eke (octopus), taro (tuba
All major inhabited islands are accessible by air. There are more vegetable), rukau (cooked taro leaves similar to spinach), and
than three daily flights from Rarotonga to Aitutaki. Flights to Atiu, kumara (sweet potato). An umukai is usually part of an island night
Mangaia, Mauke and Mitiaro are scheduled many times a week. Atiu show featured at major hotels. The delectable buffet and traditional
is recognised as the third island to visit in the Cook Islands behind dancing is all part of the culture of the Cook Islands and you can
Aitutaki and three times a week there is a convenient triangle air also experience this at the Highland Paradise and Te Vara Nui
route around the three islands of Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Atiu. Air cultural attractions.
Rarotonga and Air New Zealand also have a code share agreement Wining and dining in Rarotonga is a treat with many excellent
that allows you to book an international flight direct to and from restaurants offering local and international cuisine in some very
Aitutaki that can be combined with the triangle route to reduce even romantic locations.
more travel time.
Activities and shopping guide
In Mauke, you can explore the jungle-covered limestone rocks to find There are a variety of activities on offer to suit any traveller. Relaxing
the famous Maire plant and organic tropical garden lush with fruit. lagoon cruises are available on two of the world’s most beautiful
Discover Mitiaro and its village home-stay and live with a local family lagoons, Muri Lagoon on Rarotonga and the world famous Aitutaki
in a traditional thatched roof hut. Mitiaro is ringed with beach coves Lagoon. Popular pastimes include sailing, windsurfing, stand-up
and underground swimming caves with natural healing properties. paddle boarding, snorkelling and scuba diving. Boats are available
Mangaia is dominated with raised limestone coral and has numerous for charter for deep-sea and game fishing. Shops are open 8am to
caves that stretch into giant underground caverns. At 18 million plus 4pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to noon on Saturdays. On Saturday
years it is believed to be one of the oldest in the Pacific. mornings the popular local market place, Punanga Nui, in downtown
Getting around Avarua offers a range of tropical delicacies and local craft items.
Rarotonga is only 32 kilometres in circumference and one main road Climate and clothing
encircles the entire island, making it fairly easy to get around. Cook’s Warm and sunny all year round. Rainy season is December to March.
Buses, the local bus service, offers great public transport operating Average summer temperature is 26oC. Casual brief swimwear should
around Rarotonga in both directions, on regular day and evening be kept for beaches or poolside. Nude and topless sunbathing is
schedules. The clockwise or anti-clockwise bus will pick you up and unacceptable.
set you down anywhere on request.
Currency
Vehicles are driven on the left hand side of the road. By law Safety The NZ dollar, supplemented by local coinage (not negotiable
helmets must be worn by all visitors for both drivers and passengers. outside the Cook Islands). The dollar coin bearing the symbol of the
Drivers of all types of vehicles are required to have either a current traditional god, Tangaroa, is popular with coin collectors, as is the $3
international license or a Cook Islands driver’s license which can be note. There are ATMs located on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. EFTPOS is
obtained from the Police station in downtown Avarua. available. Tipping is not customary but is appreciated.

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