Cook Islands

Quick Facts

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Capital

Avarua

Population

21,000

Government

Self-governing Parliamentary Democracy in free association with New Zealand

Religions

Christianity (Protestant, Catholic)

Languages

Rarotongan, English

Calling Code

+682

Nationality

Cook Islander

Local name

Introduction

Avarua Harbour Rarotonga

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One look at a map of the Cook Islands and you should have a pretty good idea of what a holiday to the Cook Islands involves: water, beaches and sun. The fifteen Cook Islands are stock-standard tropical paradise material, complete with palm trees lining beaches and sparkling blue lagoons. It's a well-worn formula, but it works.

For travellers in search of at least some variety, the Cook Islands musters up a couple of additional attractions. Rarotonga, the volcanic island which draws the biggest crowds, is blessed with fantastic inland scenery. It also offers fascinating insights into Polynesian culture, be it through the Cultural Village, or through active participation in one of the 'island nights', where beautiful local women dance what may be Polynesia's sexiest dance. Aitutaki, the second most visitied island of 'the Cooks' is located 45 mins by plane from Rarotonga and contains a beautiful lagoon and beaches.

Regions

The 15 islands making up the Cook Islands are split into two regions.

• Northern Cook Islands, including Manihiki, Nassau, Palmerston, Penrhyn, Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Suwarrow
• Southern Cook Islands, including Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Manuae, Mauke, Mitiaro, Takutea and Rarotonga (with capital Avarua)

Cities/Town

• Avarua (capital located on Rarotonga)
• Arutanga (on Aitutaki)

Getting there

Plane

The only international carriers flying to the Cook Islands are Air New Zealand from Auckland, Nadi in Fiji, Los Angeles and Papeete in French Polynesia, and Pacific Blue from Australia and New Zealand once or twice a week.
Flights arrive near Avarua, the capital, on the island of Rarotonga.