The Cook Islands

The Cook Islands – A South Pacific Bargain

Kia Orana - Welcome

The Cook Islands – all 350 of them – are 9 hours from the West Coast. Latitude 21.3 south, 160.0 west. They lie in the centre of the Polynesian Triangle, flanked to the west by the Kingdom of Tonga and Samoa, and to the east by Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia. There are fifteen islands sprinkled over 850,000 square miles of the blue Pacific many offering paradise style rest for the wearied business bones and the family holiday maker alike. Brimming with laid back Polynesian hospitality, the countries of these true tropical paradises are being experienced in greater numbers by the discerning traveler who hankers for relaxation, style, and unmatched friendliness.

When you say South Pacific, most people have heard of Hawaii, Fiji or Tahiti, but few know of the Cook Islands.

Only Raratonga and Aitutaki are set up for tourists.. All you need is a swimsuit, flip flops, shorts, and a pareu (sarong). On my first visit I took a suitcase full of clothes and never wore any of them. Buy a pareu when you get there. Beautiful selection and reasonably priced.

Temperature is 85 degrees all year. It’s governed by New Zealand so you get $1.35 for your dollar. No tips accepted. Recommend a few days on Aitutaki and the rest on Raratonga. The magnificent Aitutaki Lagoon renowned as one of the most beautiful island lagoons in the world, sits in the middle of the South Pacific surrounded by wonderful coral reefs and small islets. The T.V. program Survivor was filmed here.

Raratonga is the most populated of the Cook Islands. It boasts a Parliament Building, an international airport, and palm studded white beaches as far as the eye can see. Snorkel, scuba dive, bike, hike or horse back ride during the day and at night, dance, take in a show or feast at one of the fine restaurants. A must is church service on Sunday. The capella singing will life your spirits before another adventurous day in paradise.

Good shopping, especially for black pearls which are farmed here and a must buy.

A great day out is a cruise on a glass bottomed boat around the lagoon with an outstanding picnic lunch.

This is the place to get married. The bride is assisted graciously to her seat on board a traditional Cook Islands Vaka, (canoe ) garlanded with flowers. As she nears the shore, a warrior raises the parau to his lips and sounds a clear note to announce her arrival to the waiting groom and the wedding guests. Simply elegant to elaborately sophisticated traditional style ceremonies or renewals are seamlessly choreographed by the resort. It’s a wonderful ceremony, and the warriors all seem to be huge 7ft tall chaps when I have seen a wedding. A photographer’s dream to get all the islanders assisting in the ceremony. I love a wedding when everyone has bare feet. The music and drumming is an experience unlike anywhere else. The islanders put on a wonderful show. Very different dancing to the rest of the South Pacific.

Great deep sea fishing, good value, only road is 20 miles around island. You drive on the left.

Rent a scooter, or get the island bus which stops when anyone waves. A good tour is to the island cultural center, to see how they make their craft items. This is definitely a destination for relaxing, wonderful diving and snorkeling. Great destination for a honeymoon, or an anniversary.

No “posh” resorts, it mostly simple but good properties in wonderful locations on the beach. No high rises, mostly bungalows.

They have great bargain packages which include air, accommodation and transfers. This is the only way to visit this part of the South Pacific. Considerable savings by booking with a wholesaler and we use the best one there is.

Very few American tourists. Mostly New Zealanders when I have been there.

A great story – many years ago a Pan Am flying boat had engine trouble and landed in the Aitutaki lagoon. It took eight weeks before the replacement parts could be flown in. By then, Polynesian Paralysis had set in, and the passengers didn’t want to leave. It only takes me 24 hours to become “a bum”.

You will feel the same way. Great place, costs a lot less than the rest of the South Pacific.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel

650-941-5810