Cook Islands

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The beauty and charm of the Cook Islands are matched only by the friendliness of their people. Generous hospitality and a relaxed lifestyle make visitors feel right at ease and Cook Islanders are proud of their rich tradition of Polynesian heritage.

Year-round warm weather and relatively low precipitation make the Islands a great place to visit any time. The islands are small so everything–your hotel, the beach, restaurants, etc…–are only minutes away.

The Cook Islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean in the center of the Polynesian Triangle, flanked by The Kingdom of Tonga and the Samaos on the west, and by Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia to the east. There are fifteen major islands, spread over two million square kilometers of ocean, and divided into two distinct groups: the Southern Cook Islands and the Northern Cook Islands. The islands were formed by volcanic activity; the northern group is older and consists of six atolls (sunken volcanoes topped by coral growth). The climate is moderate to tropical.

The 15 islands and two reefs are grouped as follows:

• Southern Cook Islands:
• Nga-pu-Toru
• Atiu (Enua Manu or Island of Birds)
• Ma'uke (Akatokamanava)
• Mitiaro (Nukuroa)
• Aitutaki (Araura Enua)
• Mangaia (Auau Enua)
• Rarotonga (Tumutevarovaro) and also with the capital, Avarua.
• Palmerston Island (Pamati) sometimes grouped with the Northern Group.
• Manuae
• Takutea
• Winslow Reef (submerged)
• Northern Cook Islands:
• Manihiki (Te Fuinga o Niva)
• Nassau ( Te Nuku o Ngalewu )
• Penrhyn Island (Tongareva or Mangarongaro)
• Pukapuka (Te Ulu o te Watu)
• Rakahanga (Tapuahua)
• Suwarrow also called Suvorov
• Tema Reef (submerged)

The total population is approximately 19,000; however, about 50,000 Cook Islanders reside in New Zealand (mostly the North Island). The Cook Islands are a self-governing parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand. The main population centers are on the island of Rarotonga where there is an international airport. The Cook Islands’ economy is fueled by tourism - the country's number one industry. Cook Islands Maori is considered the official language of the Cook Islands, but English is spoken and understood nearly everywhere.

You'll find a broad range of accommodation options throughout the Cook Islands, from well-appointed family resorts and luxury lodges to secluded retreats, self-catering cabins, and budget motels. It’s also worth noting that tipping isn’t expected and is contrary to Cook Island’s custom. However if you receive excellent service and want to acknowledge it, it would not be completely out of the ordinary to do so.

Quick Facts
Capital: Rarotonga
Land: 240sqkm - 15 islands
Population: 19,000 (approx. for 2000)
Languages: Cook Islands Maori, English
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Economy: Agriculture, black pearls, offshore banking, tourism

Climate
The weather can be slightly erratic at times and varies throughout the islands, though it is generally hot throughout the year. Severe weather is rare making the Islands an ideal vacation getaway year-round.

The rainy season runs between November and March, but the rain usually falls in the form of late afternoon storms, cooling the air temperature, which averages around 82ºF (28ºC) this time of year. Rainfall is heaviest in Rarotonga, while the northern atolls tend to be drier. In the cooler, dry season between April and October temperatures range from 70ºF to 80ºF (20ºC to 26ºC).

History
The Cook Islands were first settled around 1500 years ago by travelers from the Society and Marquesas Islands (now known as French Polynesia). Polynesians had been trekking across much of the South Pacific in huge ocean-going canoes for a couple of millennia before they arrived in the Cooks. The first settlers arrived in Melanesia from Southeast Asia around 2500 BC, before heading on to Fiji, Samoa and Tonga; French Polynesia was then settled somewhere between 200 BC and AD 200. From there, canoes travelled thousands of kilometres in all directions, reaching Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Hawaii, South America, and finally Rarotonga and the Cook Islands in around AD 500.

Written records only started with European arrival so oral history on Rarotonga traces back 1400 years. Traditional history begins in the 13^th century with the arrival of Tangi’ia and Karika, chiefs from Tahiti and Samoa, who arrived via ocean canoes. After conquering the resident population, they formed Rarotonga’s six main tribes. All islands in the Cooks were ruled by several ariki (high chiefs) with a distinct heirarchy of chiefs below them. Each tribe had its own sacred meeting places and worshipped specific gods.

The Cook Islands distinctive culture developed over a thousand years before European infiltration, specifically Spanish explorers Alvaro de Mendana and Pedro Fernandez de Quiros. In 1773, the English explorer James Cook discovered the islands and re-named many places in traditional English style.

Captain Cook eventually sailed on to explore other areas and left missionaries to oversee the Islands. Ridiculously strict religious followers imposed doctrines considered even then much too harsh for the time. Offenders were awarded heavy fines providing a great source of revenue for the local police and judges and ensuring a steady stream of labor for the missionaries’ building projects. Missionaries also brought devastating diseases including smallpox and dysentary, which dramatically reduced the population around 1830.

The late 19^th century brought about a rush of colonial expansion over much of the South Pacific. In 1888 Rarotonga was officially made a British overseas protectorate, mainly to avoid French invasion. The British eventually tired of maintaining such a tiny country of little strategic or economic important and the Cook Islands were annexed to New Zealand in 1901.

Art & Culture

The Cook Islands have produced notable and internationally recognized contemporary artists. The main island of Rarotonga has an exceptionally vibrant contemporary arts scene. Unique artforms such as Tivaevae (handmade patchwork quilts), weaving, and woodcarving are widely respected.

However, what mostly defines the Cook Islands and leaves a lasting impression on tourists is the grace, art and skill demonstrated in song and dance – particularly a traditional dance known as the Ura. The Cook Islanders are considered amongst the finest Polynesian singers and dancers. And there are many competitions throughout the year where the competitive spirit between each island comes to the fore. Regular international awards are a testament to this phenomenal talent.

Unlike most western dances, the islanders tell their story with their bodies that corresponds to the words of the song. The dancing, accompanied by highly rhythmic drumming is taken very seriously, with each island having its own set of unique songs and dances that are practiced starting at an early age.

There are many festivals with cultural or historical significance celebrated throughout the islands, such as the Te Maeva Nui Celebrations held each year in July, where we celebrate our nation’s self-governance. This is perhaps the largest, most widely celebrated festival featuring colourful float parades, drumming and dancing competitions, singing, sports and more.

Other celebrations and events of note are: Te Mire Kapa ‘Dancer of the Year’ Competitions that are excellent events to watch, attracting many spectators. During the month of April, men and women, boys and girls participate in several categories of dance, all leading up to the finals late in the month or early in May.

Islanders love to eat! There are numerous restaurants to be explored - over 50 restaurants & cafes scattered all over Rarotonga alone. It is recommended to attend a nightly feast & cultural show which is offered at the most of the major hotels. Guests enjoy a tantalizing spread of local meats, seafood & vegetables followed by fantastic entertainment. Traditional island songs and dance, pulsating drums, swaying hips and colourful costumes are all part of the show. The night is wrapped up with a Ura Piani (invitation dance) where visitors are then given the chance to partake in the action and “shake those hips”.

Getting there
Air New Zealand flies direct to Rarotonga everyday from Auckland, and with over 120 flights from Australia to New Zealand each week. Getting to the Islands is easy and the flight is only three-and-a-half hours from New Zealand.

Air Rarotonga offers frequent flights from Papeete in Tahiti, French Polynesia, making it possible to combine Tahiti and the Cook Islands in one vacation. 

Pacific Blue flies to Rarotonga from various Australian and New Zealand locations.

Getting around
There are two buses on Cook’s Island – the clockwise bus and the anti-clockwise bus.

The Clockwise bus departs Cook's Corner on the hour from 7am to 4pm Monday to Saturday. Evening bus departs Cook's Corner clockwise only, every hour Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 6pm to 11pm. Friday evenings from 6pm to 10pm and 12 midnight to 2am. Sunday buses run between 8am - 12pm, and from 2pm - 4pm. No Sunday evening service. There is no bus service on Christmas day, News Years day or Good Friday (day or night).

The Anti-clockwise bus departs Cook's Corner at 25 minutes past the hour from 8:25am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday. Saturday buses run between 8:30am – 12:30pm. No Sunday service.

Note: Bus loops back from the Airport to Avatiu back road, Monday to Friday. Buses will pick you up and drop you off anywhere on request.

Bus Fares:
One Way $4.00
Return $7.00
Ten Rides Concession $25.00
All Day Pass $16.00 per person
All Day Family Pass $26.00

Domestic carrier Air Rarotonga has regular scheduled flights to the Southern group & some Northern group islands. 

Check out some of our Cook Islands Packages here!  Also our Tahiti and Fiji Packages!
To book your next vacation to the Cook Islands, call a friendly Travel Team agent at 1.800.788.0829.

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