Aitutaki Hotels & Resorts

The Cook Islands lie in the centre of the Polynesian triangle flanked to the west by Tonga and Samoa and to the east by Tahiti and French Polynesia. The group is made up of 15 islands, scattered over two million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean. They fall into two distinct groups – the Southern and Northern Groups. The Southern Group comprises nine islands including the capital, Rarotonga, where the majority of the population resides. Domestic travel to the outer islands is provided by Air Rarotonga and six of the nine islands are accessible by regular air services. The more remote Northern Group has six islands, three of which – Manihiki, Penrhyn and Pukupuka – are accessible by air.

Capital & Major Centres
Vibrant and lively, Rarotonga is a hive of activity and its circular shape is dominated by high mountain peaks from which lush rainforests cascade to the palm-fringed shore. The island is almost completely encircled by a coral reef, which protects the lagoon and white sandy beaches. All visitors are welcomed at the Rarotonga International Airport with the warm local greeting 'Kia Orana' (Greetings – may you live on) and a fragrant flower garland or "ei". Avarua is the main town on Rarotonga and has a great selection of retail shops, cafes and restaurants. Telecom Cook Islands offers international telephone, digital mobile network, fax and internet services. Internet cafes are located around the island for your convenience. There are three banks: Westpac, ANZ and Bank of the Cook Islands which all have main branches on Rarotonga. Westpac and ANZ have ATMs located on Aitutaki and Rarotonga, while EFTPOS is widely available on both islands. From Rarotonga you can visit the 'Sister Islands' such as Aitutaki, famous for its spectacular white sand beaches and azure lagoons. The island is only a 40-minute flight away on Air Rarotonga. Atiu, northeast of Rarotonga, offers untouched beaches and coral reefs riddled with caves; Mangaia is surrounded by a narrow fringing reef backed by the formidable cliffs of Makatea (raised coral) which reach heights of up to 60 metres; Mauke has caves located in the cliffs of the coral reef and Mitiaro offers subterranean pools to cool off and freshwater lakes that are full of 'Itiki' (freshwater eels), a local delicacy.

The People
Cook Islanders are of Polynesian descent, and are called Cook Island Maori. They are culturally and linguistically similar to Tahitians and New Zealand Maori and are an open, friendly people happy to share their lifestyle.

History
The Cook Islands was first settled by Polynesians between 600 and 800 AD. There are many theories about the origin of these people. Some anthropologists believe they may have originated in Peru and migrated to Malaya in Asia Minor and then to Polynesia. However, local legend says they came from a land called Avaiki ('Polynesian homeland'), whose exact location is unknown. The Spanish explorer Alvaro De Mendana first sighted Pukapuka in 1595 and Pedro Fernandez de Quiros discovered Rakahanga in 1606. Captain James Cook sighted Manuae Atoll in 1773, which he called Hervey's Island. He also discovered Palmerston, Takutea, Mangaia and Atiu in 1777. The Islands were eventually named to honour Captain Cook by Russian Cartographer, Johann von Krusenstern in 1824. Captain Bligh of The Bounty visited Aitutaki and Rarotonga in 1789, a few weeks before the infamous mutiny. Captain Philip Goodenough of 'The Cumberland' is credited with the official discovery of Rarotonga in 1814.

The Cook Islands was annexed by New Zealand in 1901, and attained independence in free association with New Zealand on August 4, 1965. This day is celebrated as Te Ra O Te Kavamani (Constitution Day). National celebrations are also held around August 4th, known as Te Maeva Nui.

Nature
There are no poisonous insects, snakes or wild animals in the Cook Islands, so exploring or trekking is a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The Cook Islands hosts a diverse range of flora and fauna. There is an assortment of native ferns and flowers, and about a dozen varieties of land and sea birds, with the most common being the imported Mynah Bird. Marine turtles can be found in some of the outer islands, and humpback whales can be sighted from July through to October. A protective reef encircles the islands, and sharks and stingers are unheard of inside the warm lagoons of the Southern Group. The lagoons play host to a variety of vivid and interesting coral and marine life. The Cook Islands has an interesting range of geological structures. From the high volcanic peaks of Rarotonga (653 metres) to the raised coral structure (Makatea) of Mangaia and Atiu, to the Coral atoll structures of the Northern Group.

The Sights
The Avarua CICC Church is a magnificent landmark built of coral and lime and well worth a visit, particularly on Sunday. Most people attend church and the air is vibrant with their beautiful singing called "Imene Tuki".

The National Cultural Centre is an imposing island structure in beaut-ifully kept gardens. Nearby are ruins of the old Sunday School, built by the missionaries, which have been renovated and are now the Beachcomber Pearl and Art Gallery.

In the harbour, remnants of the wreck of the 'SS Maitai' remain which was sunk in 1916 – its main engine still protrudes from the reef.

You can trek through the Takuvaine/Avatiu valleys to see tropical vegetation or visit the Marae 'Arai te Tonga', a stone structure forming the royal court of the reigning Ariki (High Chief). It consists of a rectangular platform 12 feet long by seven feet wide located on the inland road in upper Tupapa. At the end of the platform is the 'investiture pillar' – a large upright of natural squared basalt standing more than two metres above ground level.

Where to Stay
Rarotonga has a wide and varied selection of accommodation from first-class resorts and self-catering individual bungalows to backpacker facilities. It is highly recommended that you book your accommodation in advance.

Aitutaki has a varied selection of accommodation, similar in quality to Rarotonga. Atiu has a varied but smaller selection of accommodation available.
Only basic needs are met on the islands of Mauke, Mitiaro, and Mangaia. Buildings in the Cook Islands are not permitted by law to be higher than the tallest coconut tree, so most accommodation facilities are either single or double storey structures. Camping is strictly prohibited.

Getting Around
Rarotonga is only 32 kilometres in circumference. One main road encircles the entire island, making it fairly easy to get around. Cook's Island Buses, the local bus service, offers great public transport that operates around Rarotonga, on regular day and evening schedules, in both directions. It will pick you up and set you down anywhere on request.

Motor scooters and bicycles are a popular way to see the island, however rental cars and taxis are also available. Driving is on the left hand side of the road, and it is compulsory to obtain a Cook Islands Driver's Licence. This is available for a minimal cost on the presentation of your existing licence at the Police Station. Should you wish to hire a motor scooter and do not have an existing licence, a practical test is required.

Food & Entertainment
Night spots and bars will on occasion have live entertainment. A highlight of the Cook Islands is the Polynesian feast, umukai, prepared in the traditional style with foods such as ika mata (marinated fish with coconut sauce), eke (octopus), taro (tuba vegetable), rukau (cooked taro leaves similar to spinach), and kumara (sweet potato).

An umukai is usually part of an Island Night Show featured at major hotels. The sumptuous buffet and traditional dancing is all part of Cook Islands culture. Night Life tours are run on Friday evenings showcasing the best night spots. Wining and dining in Rarotonga is a treat with many excellent restaurants offering local and international cuisine in some very romantic locations.

Activities
There is golf, tennis, squash, bowls, trekking, 4WD trips, and the A-Riki Art and Culture Tour which covers historical sites and meeting with artists. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on one of the world's most beautiful lagoons. Popular pastimes include sailing, windsurfing, snorkelling and scuba diving. Boats are available for charter for deep-sea and game fishing.

Shopping Guide
Shops are open 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to noon on Saturdays. Some supermarkets and local shops are open past 4pm. On Saturday mornings the popular local market place, 'Punanga Nui', offers a range of tropical delicacies and local craft items. Remember to purchase the most romantic souvenir of all – a Cook Islands black pearl.

Holidays & Festivals
Numerous religious festivals and public holidays are celebrated throughout the year. Following are some of the major events.
2009 DATES
JAN 2 Public Holiday in lieu of New Year's Day
APR 10 Good Friday
APR 13 Easter Monday
APR 17 - MAY 1 Dancer of the Year Competitions (Te Mire Ura)
AUG 4 Constitution Day
SEP 10 - 21 Te Maeva Nui Celebrations
SEP 21- OCT 2 Pacific Mini Games
OCT 26 National Gospel Day
NOV 20 - 27 Vaka Eiva canoe competition
DEC 1 - 5 Tiare Festival program
DEC 25 Christmas Day
DEC 26 Boxing Day

Climate
Warm and sunny year-round. Rainy season is December to March. Average summer temperature is 26ºC.

Clothing
Casual brief swimwear should be kept to beaches or poolside. Nude and topless sunbathing is unacceptable.

Time Zone
GMT -10 hours or 20 hours behind AEST.

Electricity
240 volts DC/50 cycles. Some hotels/motels have provision for 110 volt AC electric shavers.

Tipping
Is not customary but is appreciated.

Currency
The NZ dollar, supplemented by local coinage (not negotiable outside the Cook Islands). The dollar coin bearing the symbol of the traditional god 'Tangaroa' is popular with coin collectors. Westpac and ANZ ATM machines are available for withdrawal of up to NZ$1000 per day. EFTPOS is available at most businesses.

Visas & Health
Vaccinations are not necessary. All visitors are required to have in their possession a current passport upon arrival. Passports must be valid for the duration of intended stay in the Cook Islands. No entry permit needed for stays of up to 31 days if visitors possess onward tickets.

Departure tax
Adults NZ$30, children 2-11 years NZ$15.

Getting There
Air New Zealand from New Zealand and Los Angeles. There are connecting Air New Zealand services from Australia, USA, Canada and Europe. Pacific Blue via Auckland, Air Tahiti via Papeete.

Visiting more than the island of Rarotonga
All major inhabited islands are accessible by air. There are more than thrice daily flights from Rarotonga to Aitutaki. Flights to Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke and Mitiaro are scheduled many times a week. Atiu is recognised as the third island to visit in the Cook Islands behind Aitutaki and there is a thrice weekly convenient triangle air route around the three islands of Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Atiu. Air Rarotonga and Air New Zealand also have a code share agreement that allows you to book an international flight direct to and from Aitutaki which can be combined with the triangle route to reduce even more travel time.