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photo: Soren Larsen Anchored off Suwarrow - The Cook Island's first National Park
The Cook Islands
Rarotonga
Rarotonga is probably the nicest long haul flight stop over option in the world, but few airline travellers on the way to NZ or Australia, will have the chance to visit the more remote islands in this 15 island group.
You will join the ship at the small harbour of Avarua on Rarotonga. The islands have a population of 21,000 and are mainly Maori in descent. The people of the islands in this part of the Pacific are cosnidered to embody the beuaty of Polynesia.
Seafood is a staple Polynesian cuisine and Rarotonga's restuarants offer traditional as well as island style dishes.
The Cook Islands are truly far removed from the frenetic outside world. They have long been a refuge for travelers, hermits, runaways and the likes of Robinson Crusoe. Set in the middle of the Pacific Ocean they dazzle visitors with a mix of blue lagoons, whiter than white beaches and captivating reef life.
Whilst you explore these Islands, take time to soak up the ancient ways of the people and don’t be surprised if you never want to leave!
Time Zone: GMT-10 When it is noon in the Cook Islands, it is 10pm in London
Currency: New Zealand Dollars One pound sterling= 2.2 NZD (21.07.10)
Typical Costs:
I Litre bottled water: $3.50
Stubbie of Matutu Beer: $5.00
T-shirt: $ 25-35
Tipping is not really part of the culture but neither is bartering so be careful not to offend.
Airport and Island Transport
The international airport is on Rarotonga and is fed by Air NZ, Pacific Blue and Air Tahiti. Many international flights from USA and Europe use the Cook Islands as a possible stop over. The airport is refreshing in that you are often welcomed with flowers and the departure lounge has a garden where you can watch the sunset.
Most Hotels and Hostels supply transfers from the airport but RARO tours operate a shuttle service to anywhere on the island costing NZ$10 one way.
In the town you can hire a car, motorbike or push bike, catch one of the local Island buses (NZ $7 return trip) or get in a taxi (NZ $2.50 per km). There is one road around the island and you can travel it by bus.
Internet:
All over Rarotonga
Banks:
Again, plenty of ATM’S scattered all over Rarotonga but as soon as you leave the metropolis, they will be few and far between.
Accommodation:
The Lonely Planet Guide gives a wide range of options. Postcard views come at a premium but there are budget options too.
Adam and Debbie at Classic Sailing stayed in an inexpensive thatched hut only yards from the beach / reef with rusty bicycles to borrow and cockrels to wake you up to see the sunrise !
Food:
A large amount of Italian Restaurants but a huge mix of cuisine at a large range of prices for every budget. Plenty of fritters and chowders at cafes to top end dining in restaurants.
Classic Sailing Directors tip - try Trader Jacks on the waterfront - grilled 'mahi-mahi' or dolphin fish (not dolphin!)
Mosquito’s
Mossies can be a real pain in the Cook Islands or any other tropical destination so make sure you take a strong repellant. Once at sea the trade winds keep them away.
Souvenirs:
Black Pearls are exclusive to the Cook Islands and French Polynesia so be sure to buy whilst you are there.
