Cook Islands - The most enchanting discovery in history
Flanked by Tonga to the east and Tahiti to the west, the 15 islands are scattered like precious jewels over two million square kilometres in the heart of the South Pacific Ocean.
Islands of Mystery and Legend
It is said that the first people to settle in the Cook Islands landed on Rarotonga around 800 AD during the Great Polynesian Migration. Since that time, tales of their proud heritage, shaped by history and culture, have underpinned society, and the art of storytelling is much revered.
Whilst the rich oral traditions of the native Cook Islanders have kept their history alive for hundreds of generations, the written history only began with the arrival European explorers from the 16th century. Captain James Cook arrived in 1773 and remarkably never sighted the largest island, Rarotonga. The naming of the island capital was instead left to Captain Phillip Goodenough in 1814.
Customs and Cultures
Besides producing strikingly colourful appliqué quilts known as tivaevae, ceremonial adzes, woven belts and feathered headdresses, the people of the Cook Islands are held to be the best dancers in the Pacific and it’s well worth witnessing their talents at ‘island nights’ on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. As well as enjoying the performance, you’ll have the chance to sample some of the unique local cuisine, including traditional dishes like stuffed bread fruit (anga kuru akaki ia) and Cook Islands bread pudding (poke), much of which is cooked in a Maori underground oven known as an umu.
There’s a wealth of cultural events which take place throughout the year, any one of which makes an unmissable added attraction. The 10-day Te Maeva Nui Festival (August) is a fantastic chance to enjoy a taste of Cook Islands culture, where spectators can enjoy mesmerising island dancing, traditional drumming, singing, arts and colourful parades. Flowers are a focal part of the Cook Islands culture and are used in almost every celebration, especially at the Te Mire Tiare Festival (1-6 December) which celebrates the beauty of the flowers of the Cook Islands.
Island Hopping
No visit to the Cook Islands is complete without exploring both the main island of Rarotonga and the magical island of Aitutaki, the proximity lends itself to the perfect island hopping experience in the South Pacific. Memories of both these small and intimate islands will stay with you for a long time after you leave.
Austravel's Island Hopping Essentials introduces you to the Cook Islands over five days and you will undoubtedly want to extend your stay. On arrival in Rarotonga you will be met, transferred to your beachside accommodation and spend two days exploring the island. Day three brings an exciting scenic flight to Aitutaki, your home for two days, where you will enjoy a full day cruise to explore the Aitutaki lagoon and various atolls and islands along the way. On day five, transfer to the airport for your scenic flight back to Rarotonga to stay longer in the Cook Islands or continue your journey.
Getting to the Cook Islands
You can fly to the Cook Islands with Air New Zealand, via LA, and onwards to New Zealand or Australia.
Helen Wallwork is a Travel Designer for Austravel and has recently experienced the wonderful culture of the Cook Islands...
“Having spent six days in the Cook Islands my only regret is that I couldn’t stay there longer. The islands are idyllic and are the perfect setting for a relaxing getaway.
It's not only the setting that makes the Cook Islands so special, but also the people. They are the friendliest people you could ever meet and make you feel like one of their family. By the end of our time on the islands we felt like we were part of the community. Cook Islanders are very proud of their culture and heritage and they openly express this through music and dance. They are also deeply religious with Christianity playing a major part in their everyday lifestyle which makes for a peaceful and relaxing environment.
A trip to the Cook Islands is definitely one that you will never forget!”
