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Destination : COOK ISLANDS

The Cook Islands lie southwest of Tahiti and east of Tonga. They were named after Captain Cook, who sighted them in 1770, the islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, the administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965 residents chose self-government in free association with New Zealand. The Cook Islands form an internally self-governing state. Although the New Zealand dollar is the currency, Cook Islands manages its own affairs and functions as if it were fully independent. The emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand and government deficits are continuing problems.
The population was estimated at a total of 20,407 in July 2000. The ethnic groups are: Polynesian (full blood) 81.3%, Polynesian and European 7.7%, Polynesian and non-European 7.7%, European 2.4%, other 0.9% . A majority of the people are members of the Cook Islands Christian Church) . English is the official language, but also Maori is spoken. While New Zealanders do not have an automatic right of abode in Cook Islands, Cook Islanders have free entry to New Zealand. In fact, more of them live in New Zealand and Australia than on their home islands. Since the Cook Islands are South of the Equator, the seasons are opposite to those of North America and Europe. While there are no extremes in temperatures, the drier cooler season runs from April to November. The warmer, more humid season runs from December to March. Following are the average monthly temperatures (in Fahrenheit and Celsius).

The Cook Islands were isolated from major tourist routes for years, they offer visitors untouched beauty and a peaceful way of life. You can stroll along beaches edged with swaying palms and swim in warm lagoons protected by coral reefs.The islands are divided naturally into two groups. The eight islands of the southern Cooks include the destinations of Rarotonga and Aitutaki. The ill fated Captain William Bligh sighted Aitutaki in 1789, and mutineer Fletcher Christian, Rarotonga, on the same boat (the Bounty), shortly after the famous mutiny on April 28.1789. Aitutaki is the second most visited of the magical Cook Islands and is recommended as a "must see"extension to your Rarotonga holidays.

Rarotonga is the largest island lying at the southern end of the group. The capital, Avarua is a thriving administrative and shopping centre with restaurants, hotels, banking and other facilities including the international airport. There are first class resorts, reef protected bays in which to snorkel, swim and sail and local bus transport which encircles the island every 45 minutes.

Mangaia, south east of Rarotonga surrounded by a narrow fringing reef backed by the formidable cliffs of Makatea which reach heights of up to 60 metres. Limestone and volcanic samples on the island date back eighteen million years. Mitiaro which has a large swampy interior; Penrhyn, Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Manihiki, Nassau, Palmerston, and Suwarrow which has no permanent residents, only a caretaker.
Atiutaki is a fascinating island riddled with caves and surrounded with raised coral cliffs and white sand beaches. Mauke has beautiful white beaches with the reef close to the island, so the lagoon is shallow. Subterranean caves are found in the interior with easy access from the road encircling the island.