Destination Overview
The 15 Cook Islands are scattered across the south Pacific over
about two million square kilometres, an area the size of India.
These unspoilt Polynesian tropical gems have a combined population
of an average country town: about 14,000 unique and friendly souls.
Most Cook Islanders dwell on the capital island of Rarotonga, which
is also where most of the 70,000-odd annual visitors stop off,
arriving at the island's international airport.Circular Rarotonga is almost completely enclosed by a reef,
harbouring a lagoon of clear turquoise water and white sandy
beaches. The small island is dominated by a high mountain peak from
where lush rain forests cascade down to the palm-fringed shore. The
commercial centre of the islands is the friendly, bustling town of
Avarua on Rarotonga, which has banks, shops and tourist facilities
as well as a busy port and yacht basin. The outer islands are
becoming increasingly popular for excursions, but remain largely
unspoiled by tourism.The Cook Islanders have their own language and government, and
enjoy a vigorous and diverse culture with significant differences
between each island. Even if you go no further than Rarotonga,
though, you will be ensured of a dream 'South Seas' holiday
experience on the pristine beaches, snorkelling the reef, or
exploring the island by bus, motor scooter, bicycle or jeep.
