Cook Islands
These small islands located in the South Pacific Ocean offer large amounts of fun and frolics and breathtaking natural beauty
The Cook Islands make up a nation that is a self-governing parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand, but still has Queen Elizabeth II of England as it head of state.
A chain of fifteen small islands, the Cook Islands have a total land area of 240 square kilometres and cover a staggering 1.8 million square kilometers of ocean.
Over 90,000 visitors travelled to the Cook Islands in 2006 according to statistics, so tourism is certainly no stranger to this far flung destination. In fact, tourism is the country's number one industry, making it an ideal holiday getaway. If you have not yet visited, you are urged to do a holiday search and find the next available flight!
Cook Island Traditions and culture
Christian music is very popular in the Cook Islands - Imene tuki is a common form of unaccompanied vocal music that visitors are likely to encounter on a visit. It is known for a uniquely Polynesian drop in pitch at the end of phrases as well as rhythmic outbursts of apparently nonsensical syllables (tuki). The word Imene is actually derived from the English word hymn.
Traditional dance is also something that is very important in the culture of the Cook Islands and a popular attraction for foreign visitors. Each island has its own particular dance that is taught to children.
Dances are usually accompanied by drums which add an infectious rhythmic beat. The style of drumming native to the Cook Islands is known internationally but is often misidentified as Tahitian music.
In recent years, there has been an increase in activity by local painters and artists who have started to develop original contemporary Polynesian artistic styles. Wood carving is a popular art form among local islanders, as is sculpture in stone, but to a lesser extent.
Recommended
Aitutaki's lagoon is an absolute must see for first-time visitors. Sprinkled with sand bars, coral ridges and about 21 uninhabited lagoon islets, the lagoon offers a great opportunity to dive and snorkel which must not be missed.
Maina Motu also offers fantastic snorkelling on gorgeous coral formations and around large white sand bars near its shore. Tapuaeta'i, (One Foot Island) also has a lovely stretch of beach and striking pale blue waters for diving.
Holidaymakers are also encouraged to go on a guided tour of Anatakitaki, which is one of the most famous of the many caves found on Atiu. It is a vast, beautiful cave and home is to the Kopeka - a rare bird that is somewhat similar to the swift.
Be sure to also make it in time for the big dance competition in late April, which is always a great spectacle. The independence party in early August always proves a hit with tourists also.
Cook Island Weather
The climate on the Cook Islands is agreeable and even all-year-round, with no excesses of temperature or humidity.
The best time of the year to visit is around September and October, when it's warm and there is reduced humidity. March and April are also good periods to visit as by this time the cyclone season will have passed and the skies will be clear.
Winter nights (between May and October) can be cool at times - even chilly - so ensure that you bring a warm jumper if you are planning to visit at the time.
Destination checklist for Cook Islands
The official languages spoken on the Cook Islands are Maori and English.
The currency in use is the New Zealand dollar and the current weights and measurement system is Metric.
When dialling the Cook Islands, you will have to use the code +682 and don't forget that as this destination is in the Pacific, it is ten hours behind GMT.
