- Rarotonga is the capital of the Cook Islands.
Some visitors tend to think that Rarotonga and the Cook Islands are two different places or countries, or that Rarotonga and Tonga are the same place. This is incorrect! Rarotonga is the island capital of the Cook Islands group, which comprises 15 islands in total. Aitutaki, a jewel in the crown of the Cook Islands is a favourite destination for people such as Getaway travel show presenters Catriona Rowntree & Charlotte Dawson as well as former Prime Minister for New Zealand, the late David Lange.
- Rarotonga is the Heart of the South Pacific.
This is true as geographically, its just west of Tahiti and because it is still very much a paradise with people and culture that will embrace you with open arms! Have some fun on the Friday Nightlife tour offered at both the Edgewater Resort & Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa. Hop on the fun bus for an evening of hilarity as you stop at various bars around the island and mingle with the locals. Atone the next day at a Sunday church service where female parishioners don their beautiful rito hats and the imene tuki (hymn singing) is out of this world.
- Your vacation starts as soon as you land at Rarotonga International Airport.
Everything is only minutes away- your hotel, restaurants, beaches…not a two-hour bus, boat or plane ride! Rarotonga is only a 3.5 hour flight from Auckland. Papa Jake serenades you whether you are arriving or leaving the island, rain or shine. A Cook Island icon, his ukulele and gentle harmonies drift over the tarmac to embrace you on as you disembark the plane. Once through customs you will be met by a beautiful island maiden who will help you find your accommodation or transport provider. Eis (flower garlands) for you on arrival are standard and they smell absolutely divine!
- The Rainy season is a myth..
The Cook Islands enjoys lovely weather all year round. Some of the best times to visit are around the Christmas-New Year festive season through to April/May. Flowers are in bloom, fragrant frangipanis, gardenias and fresh fruit in abundance, mangoes, guavas. Pawpaw, bananas and coconuts are available year-round. The days are longer, but its summertime so enjoy those hot days lazing on the beach with a cocktail! Our Winter falls between July & September with Summer is from December to April but the difference in temperature is only a couple of degrees.
- Rarotonga is like one big resort, just waiting for you to explore.
Being 32km in circumference it only takes about 1 hour to go right around. You can do as much or as little as you please. Your'e not "resort-bound" so there's no feelings of being trapped and you have the freedom to hire a scooter, catch the island bus or take in some activities. Why not tempt your taste buds at one of restaurants on offer? Meet the locals or do some exploring on your own! Rarotonga’s geographic make-up is mainly volcanic so inland there are high mountains clothed in lush rainforest, perfect for a cross-island walk, trekking or a 4x4 mountain safari tour. In contrast, the white sand beaches along the fringes of the island are spectacular and beyond the reef is the deep ocean, perfect for diving or game-fishing.
- A trip to the Outer Islands is a must on your itinerary.
Domestic carrier Air Rarotonga has regular scheduled flights to the Southern group & some Northern group islands. Travel to islands in the Southern group are about a 50min plane ride away. A jewel in our Crown, Aitutaki is a must on your itinerary! The azure blue lagoon and endless sand banks are breathtaking. A minimum 3 day overnight stay is recommended or you can go on a Day Trip package. Perfect for that romantic getaway or to reconnect with your loved one. For a bit of adventure or something off the beaten track, there are the islands of Atiu & Mangaia, with makatea (raised coral reef), lush forest and caves to explore. The outer islands are a step back in time and an opportunity for you to gently immerse yourself in the culture and people of the Cook Islands.
- We live to eat, not eat to live!
A popular saying amongst the locals which you will come to appreciate as there are over 50 restaurants & cafes scattered all over Rarotonga alone. Well known restaurants are Tamarind House, owned by cookery book author Sue Carruthers & Robert Brown (formerly of the Flame Tree Restaurant), plus Shannon at Vaima Restaurant, Dan & Maire at Windjammer and Tony & Kelly at Café Salsa to name a few. For great seafood dining by the water’s edge, there is the legendary Trader Jacks situated at Avarua Wharf. A must on your things to do is to experience an Island night feast & cultural show which is offered at the most of the major hotels. The fare on offer is a tantalising mixture of local meats, seafood & vegetables followed by fantastic entertainment. Traditional island songs and dance, pulsating drums, swaying hips and colourful costumes are all part of the dazzling array that is Cook Islands culture. The night is wrapped up with a Ura Piani (invitation dance) where visitors are then given the chance to have a go and shake those hips. Definitely an evening not to be missed!
- Saturday is market day
The local Punanga Nui marketplace comes alive every Saturday from 6am-midday. The markets are located in Avarua township and comprise of individual huts that are open Mon-Sat 8am-4pm. On Saturdays however vendor numbers triple and if you’re looking for a souvenir to take home or some local food to try, then this is the place for you! Local handicrafts, pareus (sarongs), t-shirts, island CD music, ukeleles, tivaivai (local quilts) local produce, carvings and the most romantic souvenir of them all, the Cook Islands Black Pearl are all available for purchase. On certain days, live entertainment plays in the rotunda at the centre of the marketplace. For a dose of cultural enrichment, tour the Rarotonga's art galleries which range from funky to high art or why not get an authentic Polynesian tattoo?
- The Cook Islands is ideal for that long awaited holiday
The Cook Islands offers you what you have been looking for, whether its that romantic getaway, down time with your family or just an excuse to get away from it all. Here you can escape the rush and clutter of city life, choosing simply to relax and absorb the relaxed pace of life or to purposefully explore the culture and varied natural environments, willingly immersing yourself in the experience. Either way, your time in the Cook Islands will leave a deep impression, ranging from a heartfelt appreciation of openness and generosity to a far deeper sense of connectedness within yourself.
- Now is as good a time as any to come to the Cook Islands!
Step out of an over- engineered world, swamped in complexity and artificiality, and come to a country that offers an utterly authentic, effortlessly accessible human experience. Hurry up and book your flight, we’ll be waiting for you at the airport!
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Ten Facts to Know 
