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Cook Islands |
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The Cook Islands are located on the Tropic of Capricorn, latitude 9 to 22 degrees south, in the Pacific Ocean, about one half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. The Cook Islands are bordered to the south by Tokelau, the Samoas and Niue and to the east by Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia.
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Overview
The Cook Islands are made up of 15 islands in two groups.
- The southern (or lower) Cook Islands (Rarotonga, Mangaia,
Atiu, Aitutaki, Mauke, Mitiaro, and Manuae and Te-Au-o-tu)
- The northern Cook Islands (Nassau, Palmerston, Penrhyn,
Manihiki, Rakahanga, Pukapuka and Suwarrow).
The main island is Rarotonga, just 26 sq miles and along
with Aitutaki Lagoon, a 45 minute flight to the north, it
accounts for 95% of Cook Island travel interest… Discerning
Cook Island travel evolves around the more traditional islands
of Atiu, Mauke and Mangaia to the east… the remote
northern group of lagoon atolls are rarely visited.
With a land area of just 240 sq kilometres, the islands
range from low coral atolls to the mountainous majesty of
Rarotonga, the largest island of the group and home to the
capital Avarua… Rarotonga has attractive beach locations
and water activities, a good variety of tours and lots of
accommodation for all budgets and tastes. There is trekking
through rainforest with waterfalls, streams and attractive
views, good diving and snorkelling spots. There are boutiques,
churches and ancient maraes, Polynesian culture and dancing,
cafes, bars and nightclubs.
- Climate…
- summer temperatures range between 29 C and 23 C…
in July – September, the temperature ranges between
25.3 C and 18.6 C. Severe weather is rare and infrequent.
Economy… - Copra, fresh and canned fruits and fruit juices, clothing,
pearl shell, handicrafts and jewellery are the principal
exports. Tourism and food processing are the major industries.
Since the 1980s, the islands have also become a popular
tax haven. Government spending is important to the economy,
and some 60% of the labour force work in the public sector.
Most imports, largely foodstuffs, textiles, and fuels
come from New Zealand. The Maoris generally work their
own land.
People…- the Cook islanders are Maoris, a branch of the Polynesian
race… estimated population 19,000.
The Cook islanders love their sport and its an enthusiasm
often shared by visitors as well. Although the lures
of a Pacific island destination often turn to less active
pursuits, its always entertaining to watch a game of
rugby, soccer or league. The locals also take a healthy
interest in the sports of cricket and boxing.
The great Polynesian migration that peopled so many
of the Pacific islands was responsible for the traditional
make up of the Cook Islands.
With no snakes, wild animals or poisonous insects,
the Cook Islands are safe and whatever isolated trail
or beachside ramble the visitor takes, nature can be
enjoyed without physical concerns.
- History…
- the southern islands were probably occupied by the
Polynesians about 1,500 years ago. Spaniards visited the
islands in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries.
Captain James Cook sighted some of the islands in 1773,
others were not discovered until the 1820s. the London
Missionary Society was a powerful influence in the southern
islands during the nineteenth century.
-
The islands were proclaimed a British protectorate
in 1888 and were annexed by New Zealand in 1901…
in 1965 the Cook Islands chose internal self government
in free association with New Zealand and are free to
unilaterally declare their complete independence…
the emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand and
government deficits are continuing problems.
The Government consists of a prime minister, a cabinet,
a 24 member elected legislature, and a 15 member House
of Arikis (hereditary chiefs). The latter is a purely
consultative body that advises on traditional matters.
New Zealand is responsible for foreign affairs and defense
in consultation with the Cook Islands government.
The Islands
- Aitutaki…
- has a fantastic lagoon with good snorkelling, plenty
of accommodation and tours, and is good for exploring
by foot or bike with nice coastal views. There are several
good beaches on the main island and budget beach bungalows
are available. Visitors can explore attractive villages
with friendly people and a relaxed lifestyle. Some places
of interest are One Foot Island with its picturesque palm-fringed
beach and Akaiami Island, with its original flying boat
terminal.
Atiu…- here you will find traditional villages where you can
learn about the local lifestyle and meet the friendly
people… there is also the chance to sample bush
beer and join in singing with the locals. There is good
tropical scenery, limestone caves and cliffs, interesting
bird life and lovely deserted cove beaches, but no swimming.
Bike hire and tours are available and accommodation available
includes pleasant villas and guesthouses.
Mangaia, Mauke and Mitiaro…- these islands have few tourists and tourist infrastructure
is limited. There is some access to bike hire, tours and
guesthouse accommodation. There are traditional villages
and culture and limestone caves and cliffs.
Palmerston Atoll… - is a tiny remote lagoon atoll with no tourist infrastructure.
Olde English and the Marsters Family.
The Northern Atolls… - are tiny remote lagoon atolls about 3 – 4 hours
flight from Rarotonga where the visitor will find a very
traditional lifestyle and black pearl farming. There is
no tourist infrastructure and the only accommodation available
is with local families on Penryn Atoll. To reach these
atolls by cargo boat takes around 4 days and costs $300
for the round trip.
Visitor Information
- Getting There…
- International: Air New Zealand operates regular scheduled
flights from New Zealand, Tahiti and Fiji. There are also
connecting Air New Zealand flights from Australia, North
America, Asia and Europe. Pacific Blue (Virgin) has a
once a week service via Christchurch.
Domestic: Air Rarotonga flies regular services daily to
most outer islands except on Sundays although there is
one flight on Sunday evening to/from Aitutaki.
Customs, Immigration and Health…- Rarotonga International Airport is two kilometres from
Avarua. All visitors must have a current passport. A bona
fide visitor does not require an entry permit provided
he/she possesses an onward passage (booked and paid for)
and does not intend staying for more than 31 days.
Vaccinations are not necessary unless arriving from an
infected area. The Cook Islands are free of serious diseases
and pests of plants and animals.
Visitors may bring in 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco
or up to 50 cigars or the equivalent, two litres of spirits
or wine or 4.5 litres of beer. Goods up to the value of
NZ$250 attract no duty. Goods in excess of NZ $250 are
liable for duty.
Departure & Other Taxes…- departure tax for adults is NZ$25.00 and for children
NZ$10.00. Infants under 2 years of age are exempt.
Currency, Banking and Credit Cards…- the unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar, supplemented
by coinage minted for local use, which is not negotiable
outside the Cook Islands.
Time…- the Cook Islands is 10 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time.
Telecommunications…- all southern islands and some northern islands have
a modern communications system providing telephones and
on some islands, faxes.
Internet and email services are available on most islands.
Cybercafes are located around Rarotonga. Digital network
for mobile phones is available on Rarotonga only.
Medical Facilities…- medical and dental services are available 24 hours a
day.
Electricity…- voltage is 240 volts 50 cycles, the same as New Zealand
and Australia. Some hotels and motels have provision for
110 volt AC electric shavers… but to be sure take
an adapter.
Transportation…- Cook Island Buses operate Monday – Saturday every
half hour around Rarotonga. On Sunday one bus operates
during the day in a clockwise direction only. Bus stops
are situated around the island but a simple wave will
ensure you are picked up and set down wherever you like.
Rental cars, motor scooters and bicycles are available
for hire at some shops and hotels. Driving is on the left
side of the road. Drivers are required to have a current
Cook Islands Driver’s Licence, available from the
Police Station in Avarua on the presentation of your own
licence… the cost is NZ$10.00 with a compulsory
practical test… NZ$5.00 for a motor scooter.
Shopping…- visitors to the Cook Islands will be pleasantly surprised
at the variety of unique items of handicraft, jewellery,
art and clothing available for sale. There is an excellent
choice of retail outlets, all offering a friendly welcome
and a word of local expertise when it comes to selecting
that special item to take home.
One of the finest examples of local handicraft is the
rito hat. Intricately woven and in many appealing styles,
they are a vital part of every Cook Island woman’s
dress. Another item of clothing is the Pareu. This two
metre long length of cloth is practical garment for the
hot climate and the colourful fabric is often tie-dyed
and produces locally in a wide variety of colours and
patterns.
Among the most popular items of choice are wooded carvings,
the most renowned being of the phallic demi-god ‘Tangaroa’.
Other pieces in demand are clubs, spears, canoes and slit
drums (pate), from the northern islands.
Authentic handicrafts often come from islands that specialize
in a particular item. For instance… ornate shell
and seed hatbands and ei (lei) come from Mangaia…
whilst finely woven pandanus mats are a souvenir of Pukapuka…
Tapa decorated with traditional cultural patterns is made
on Atiu.
The women of the Cook Islands are well known for their
needlework, particularly the hand-stitched quilts known
as tivaevae… Each quilter has her own distinctive
colourful patterns and one piece may take several months
to make, which is reflected in the cost.
The most romantic souvenir, of course, is the cultured
black pearl… The northern islands of Manihiki and
Penryhn are world famous for producing this jewel of lustrous
and sensual beauty. Reputable dealers belonging to the
Pearl Guild of the Cook Islands can advise you on how
best to make your choice from either loose pearls or jewellery.
Local considerations
- What to wear…
- dress code is informal, however brief attire should
not be worn when visiting towns, villages or churches.
Nude or topless sunbathing will cause offence.
Language…- Cook Islands Maori is the local language, but everyone
speaks English.
Religion…- is predominantly Christian.
Handicrafts…- local crafts and souvenirs can be found at such places
as Tarani’s Crafts & Pearl and the Punanganui
Marketplace.
Tipping…- is not customary in the Cook Islands.
Scuba Diving
The Cook Islands are renowned for their diving opportunities
and these cater for any level of expertise. Canyons, caves
and such varieties of coral as plate, shelving, mushroom
and brain, make this underwater world and unusual terrain.
Visibility is generally superb throughout the islands, ranging
anywhere up to 60 metres.
Adventurers can dive on the wreck of the SS Maitai, which
was wrecked just offshore from Avarua in December 1916.
With no lives lost, the 3,393 ton vessel, owned by the Union
Steam Ship Company, had traded between the Cook Islands
and Tahiti.
Dedicated snorkellers will also not be left out with some
great sites, especially around Rarotonga and on the outlying
islands. The reef surrounding Rarotonga has some special
places, including the Muri Lagoon and the Titikaveka Lagoon.
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