Cook Islands
www.cookislands.travel
Breathe in the fresh pure air. Wade into the cool, calm, blue lagoons. Let the untouched charm of these beautiful Cook Islands capture your spirit and hold your heart. The 15 islands of the Cooks lie halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, scattered like fragrant frangipani petals floating across 2.2 million square kilometres of a seductive, sensual ocean. Boasting rare beauty, an idyllic climate, warm welcoming people with the widest white smiles and a pace of life unsurpassed for peace: the Cook Islands is Paradise.  A mix of coral atolls and volcanic islands – a good few of the nine Southern islands could be listed as “must see before I die”. An idyllic climate, stunning scenery, warm-hearted people and a desirable way of life where “hurry” has not been coined, make them irresistible. Bush clad volcanic peaks descend to glistening white sands and the inevitable palm-fringed blue lagoons. Rarotonga - the capital - and Aitutaki – breathtakingly beautiful – dominate the call of the conch.

Rarotonga
www.cookislands.travel
Dominated by a once almighty volcanic pyramid, now worn down by time and streams to sawtooth peaks and razorback ridges, the lush green Rarotonga, is the capital, and the hub of the Cook Islands.  It is also the youngest island of the group, so unlike its equally enchanting sisters, which have been eroded and submerged by age, Rarotonga stands brilliantly upright against the sun. Its vistas are strewn and spiked with jutting pinnacles that fall to terraces and flats planted with bananas, coconuts, paw paw and pineapples that shift into a swampy plateau marked by the inimitable taro patch. The 32km circumference of Rarotonga is surrounded by a sparkling blue lagoon – the shimmer of technicoloured tropical fish caught in the sunlight adds a shot of colour. The fringe of pearly white sand is lined with swaying palms and a coral reef on which crashing waves call the intrepid fishermen to cast their lines.

History of the Island - Thanks to the great Polynesian migration, which began in 1500BC, the Cook Islands were populated by Maori ancestors who landed in their Vakas (magnificent giant double hulled canoes which are still a part of the traditional way of life) through the guidance of the stars and the famous power of Polynesian navigation.

Experience the Culture - Tradition and a cultural heritage are trademarks of the island. The call of the drum is loudest and the high rhythm of the sticks pounding out a tattoo on hollowed out tree trunks is a talent taught from childhood. Music is a part of island life, and marks the daily routine in Rarotonga; from the chants and hymns heard in the churches, to the string bands with their combos of electronic and traditional ukuleles made from coconut shells. Be prepared to swing those hips at the ura piani when the skilful, well rehearsed island dancers invite you to join them in a fast drumbeat. Traditional arts and crafts of weaving, carving and painting are an integral part of a heritage, which, though strictly modern in its currency today, contains all the mores of a cultural background, which is nourished and nurtured with pride.

Getting Around - With not a traffic light to be seen, getting around Rarotonga can be a casual meander on the island bus – which uniquely travels both clockwise and anticlockwise around the road that circles the island and obliging drivers will pick and drop at will. Or the plethora of scooters which are synonymous with the town – where wheels are weighted down by mamma or papa, and sometimes more than one chubby toddler, clinging on for dear life. Whichever way you go – villages, beaches, paw paw patches, and fields of taro, mango, bananas and the health filled noni can be spotted either side – providing an instant study of island life. Of course you can also take an intrepid tour with the legendary Pa up into the hinterland and the hills to explore the lush rain forest and hear legends of wars, weddings, love affairs and animosities along with tales, which stretch the imagination into a forgotten world. An extraordinary array of flora and fauna flourishes.

Water is a Way of Life - From inland to the outreaches of the lagoon, water is paramount to this island style of life. Fishing, scuba diving, trawling, bone fishing, paddling, snorkelling, sailing, swimming or simply splashing in the sea are vital components of this island’s lifestyle.

Tivaevae - Cook Islands Communal Art
A major art form peculiar to the Cook Islands is tivaevae. This is needlework specifically the making of patchwork quilts by hand. The designs are stunning, made by women. They have great intrinsic value and become family heirlooms. They are often given as gifts of love and friendship. They supplanted the traditional giving of tapa cloth on ceremonial occasions such as weddings, funerals and hair-cutting. Tivaevae is a communal activity and several women will work on them together. The original idea was introduced by the wives of missionaries from England and nuns from Tahiti who taught embroidery, needlework, sewing and crochet. Tivaevae has played an important role in the daily life of Cook Island women. Since it is largely a social activity -- it is nearly always carried out communally -- it has had a major impact on the lives of the many women who practise it. Despite its European origin, patterns and techniques have evolved into styles which now belong quite distinctly to the Cooks. The tivaevae reflect the women's surroundings and usually employ designs of flowers, leaves, birds, fish, insects and animals. It has become an important and recognised art form and provides a structured and accepted channel for creativity. There are two principal techniques: Piecework and appliqué. The first is patchwork made from tiny pieces of coloured cloth sewn together on a backing. Tivaevae tataura are made in several colours on a contrasting background. The pattern is created from separate pieces of fabric, which may be richly embroidered either beforehand or onto the background fabric. Appliqué usually involve two colours, the first for the pattern, the second for the background. Tivaevae manu are made in only two colours, the pattern is folded four or eight times, cut and stitched onto a contrasting base cloth. Exhibitions of tivaevae are very popular in both the Cook Islands and the cities of New Zealand. As well as being shown at displays, tivaevae are given on important family and social occasions such as weddings and the traditional hair cutting ceremony for boys when they come of age. They are used also at funerals and sometimes the body is wrapped in one.

Pa (72 year old guide & herbalist)
www.cookislands.travel
Join Pa as he takes a guided walking and hiking tour of the interiors of Rarotonga. Learn about the local medicine plants used by his ancestors. Referred to by many publications as the South Pacific’s most famous experienced guide, Pa will recite stories of wars, famines and great migrations as passed to him by his forefathers. The Nature Walk is a lot less strenuous and suitable for all. Again Pa will provide a running commentary on the many uses for the local fauna and flora as well as a brief insight into the history and culture of his people. Join him at the summit of the needle and enjoy the views from this vantage point. Then trek down to the waterfall and trek through to the western coast. This is a great all day excursion. Pa's nature walk is ideal for those who can negotiate some rugged terrain. There is no climbing involved. On the Nature Walk, Pa will explain the culture of his ancestors as well as some practical applications for the many fauna and flora found along the walk. Pa is well versed in Cook Islands culture and history and his tours are very interesting.

Te Vakaroa Villas
www.tevakaroavillas.com
Just six secluded luxury villas are found at the brand new beachfront destination on Rarotonga known as Te Vakaroa Villas, with horizon edge pool and jacuzzi. There are 1-bedroom layouts suitable for couples, or 2-bedroom layouts ideal for family group or two couples travelling together.
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Te Vara Nui (Rarotonga)
www.tevaranui.co.ck
Te Vara Nui Cultural Village in Rarotonga is an interactive cultural attraction. Set in luscious gardens and peaceful water features, in the Muri Beach district, Te Vara Nui showcases not only the best cultural village experience in the Cook Islands but houses the most stunning outdoor entertainment  & dining venue ever designed in Rarotonga.
Te Vara Nui Village Tour: Your Cook Islands cultural experience at Te Vara Nui Village includes learning about our Polynesian history, traditional medicine preparation, ancestral fishing and navigation techniques, legends and beliefs. Local artisans and craftspeople will show you how we carve, weave, prepare our local dance costumes and cook our traditional foods and you will visit a Marae (sacred enclosure for religious ceremonies) and more. Interactivity is a key theme to our tour and we invite you to participate in many of these activities, learning and experiencing the true Cook Islands way.

Te Vara Nui's "Ura Po" Over water Cultural Extravanganza
Set in luscious gardens and peaceful water features, Te Vara Nui showcases not only the best cultural village experience in the Cook Islands but houses the most stunning outdoor entertainment venue and facility ever designed in Rarotonga, with our “Ura Po” Dances of Legends cultural performance. Be blown away by our amazing show “Ura Po” while Rarotonga’s finest dancers and musicians perform by flaming torchlight on floating and fixed stages of our waterfall garden. This stunning show delivers an electric authentic cultural performance like no other. Enjoy our delicious traditional island night buffet fusing local island tastes from our world class Umukai (traditional feast) and sample the culinary skills of our local and International Chefs. With compelling legend stories set over the water portraying the past and fast hip-shaking dances with resounding beats of drums and rhythms of song and dance, this spectacular setting and performance are guaranteed to lift the hairs on the back of your neck!  A powerful display of grace, beauty, passion, colour and excitement with exceptional choreography, immerse in our local culture and embrace the Cook Islands Maori people through “Dances of Legends”.

Aitutaki
www.aitutakiescape.com
A visit to the Cook Islands is not complete without seeing the beautiful island of Aitutaki, which is less than a one-hour flight from Rarotonga. It measures just seven square miles and a population just under 2,000 people. The breathtaking allure of its crystal clear turquoise waters and sparkling white beaches is an essential ingredient in Aitutaki. This is a place of unsurpassed natural beauty and tranquility, providing a simple tonic to sooth away the pressures of the outside world.
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The Vaka Cruise
www.aitutaki.net/vaka-lagoon-tours
The island of Aitutaki was settled by the legendary Polynesian explorer Ru and his entourage from Raiatea in French Polynesia. They arrived in the dark in their large ocean going twin hulled vaka at O'otu, the channel at the south end of Aitutaki Airport. Legend has it that next day they embarked on Aitutaki's vast turquoise lagoon revelling in its clear calm waters, feasting on seafood, refreshing themselves with the abundant sweet coconuts available on the motu (small islets) that encircle the lagoon. Today, visitors to Aitutaki can experience the beauty and the bounty of the lagoon and surrounding waters on our Vaka Day Picnic Cruise. The 21 metre Titi ai Tonga (meaning "wind from the south") is a contemporary vaka styled on the vessels of ancient Polynesian voyagers, but with some modern comforts. The ‘must do’ day lagoon cruise aboard the 21 meter Polynesian style Vaka Titi ai Tonga. Every morning at 10am Mondays to Saturdays, the sound of the conch shell signals the departure of the Vaka for six hours of lagoon magic. There’s snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing to do before tucking into to an Island Barbecued lunch of fresh caught ocean fish served on board and accompanied by a full bar service. Visit several motu (small islets) and beach comb at One Foot Island before returning past the old TEAL flying boat base. Impromptu entertainment by the crew will have you tying pareu, weaving coconut leaf plates or humming island tunes. They are always happy to provide snorkelling lessons for first timers.
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Koru Café
www.korucafe.biz
Koru Café is open everyday from 7am to 3pm; serving all day breakfasts, filling lunches and great espresso coffee! They also offer wifi, picnic lunches, catering at Aitutaki escape, BBQ packs and have a great selection of locally made arts and crafts. Ranked No.1 Restaurant in Aitutaki via Trip Advisor.
Located on the way to Ootu Beach. Shop till you drop for locally made arts and crafts, Koru Café apparel, e-Vouchers and more.

Direct service to The Cook Islands with Air New Zealand
www.airnewzealand.com.au