Page 9 - Pacifia Paradises - 2020

PENRHYN

RAKAHANGA

PUKAPUKA MANIHIKI

NASSAU

SUWARROW

PALMERSTON
ATOLL

AITUTAKI MANUAE
MITIARO
Avarua MAUKE
RAROTONGA ATIU
Arorangi RAROTONGA

Muri
MANGAIA
Titikaveka

The Cook Islands lie in the centre of the Polynesian The people
triangle and are now easily reached from Australia on Cook Islanders are of Polynesian descent, and are called Cook Island
Air New Zealand’s direct service from Sydney (6 hours) Maori. They are culturally and linguistically similar to Tahitians and
or via Auckland with Air New Zealand Pacific Blue (Virgin New Zealand Maori and are an open, friendly people, happy to share
Australia) and Jetstar. their lifestyle.
The group is made up of 15 islands, scattered over two million square Nature
kilometres of the Pacific Ocean. They fall into two distinct groups. The The Cook Islands host a diverse range of flora and fauna. Marine
Southern Group comprises nine islands including the capital, Avarua turtles can be found in some of the outer islands and humpback
in Rarotonga, where the majority of the population resides. Domestic whales can be sighted from July through to October. A protective reef
travel to the outer islands is provided by Air Rarotonga and six of the encircles the islands. The lagoons play host to a variety of vivid and
nine islands are accessible by regular air services. The more remote interesting coral and marine life. The Cook Islands has an interesting
Northern Group has six islands, three of which, Manihiki, Penrhyn range of geological structures, from the high volcanic peaks of
and Pukupuka, are accessible by air. Rarotonga (653 metres) to the raised coral structure of Mangaia and
Atiu and the coral atoll structures of the Northern Group.
Capital and major centres
Vibrant and lively, Rarotonga is a hive of activity and its circular shape The sights
is dominated by high mountain peaks from which lush rainforests The six CICC Churches around Rarotonga are magnificent landmarks
cascade to the palm-fringed shore. All visitors are welcomed at the built of coral and lime and well worth a visit, particularly on Sunday.
Rarotonga International Airport with the warm local greeting Kia Most people attend church and the air is vibrant with their beautiful
Orana (Greetings, may you live on) and a fragrant flower garland or ei. singing called imene tuki. The ruins of the old Sunday School, built
by the missionaries, that have been renovated and are now the
Avarua is the main town on Rarotonga and has a great selection Beachcomber Pearl and Art Gallery. In the harbour, remnants of the
of shops, cafes and restaurants located around the island. From wreck of the SS Maitai that was sunk in 1916 remain and its main
Rarotonga you can visit the Sister Islands such as Aitutaki, famous engine still protrudes from the reef.
for its spectacular white sand beaches and azure lagoons, only a
40-minute flight away on Air Rarotonga, with several flights daily. You can trek through the Takuvaine/Avatiu valleys to see tropical
vegetation or visit the Marae ‘Arai te Tonga’, a stone structure forming
Atiu, northeast of Rarotonga, offers untouched beaches and coral the royal court of the reigning ariki (high chief).
reefs riddled with caves. Mangaia is surrounded by a narrow fringing Where to stay
reef backed by the formidable cliffs of makatea (raised coral) that
reach heights of up to 60 metres. Mauke has caves located in the Rarotonga has a wide and varied selection of accommodation
cliffs of the coral reef and Mitiaro offers subterranean pools and from first-class hotels and resorts, luxury villas and self-catering
individual bungalows to backpacker facilities.
freshwater lakes that are full of itiki (freshwater eels), a local
delicacy. Aitutaki has a varied selection of accommodation, similar in quality to

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