Tiny and remote, the Cooks comprise of 15 islands scattered across the heart of the South Pacific. These beautiful islands boast some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, a host of activities to choose from and a warm climate year round, making the islands an attractive and increasingly popular holiday destination to suit all tastes and budgets.
Think of the Cook Islands and the ‘picture perfect’ beach scene of white sands, lapped by clear turquoise waters springs to mind. Those in the know have realised that there is much more on offer on the fifteen tiny yet action -packed paradise islands!
Whilst ‘Island Time’ keeps the pace of life decidedly relaxed, many intrepid travellers choose to spice up their stay by adding some of the adrenaline rushes the Cooks have to offer.
Sightseeing
Walking and hiking remains one of the most popular options for a little gentle exercise and the 32 km main Island of Rarotonga can be crossed in just four hours. Most hikes on the island follow valley roads, some becoming a little more strenuous with the inclusion of mountain peaks and island landmarks such as the unique rock formation of Te Rua Manga (The Needle).
Walks through the centre of the islands are breathtakingly exotic, as the route leads the intrepid explorer through the largely uninhabited heart of the tropical rainforest, resulting in some close encounters with Mother Nature! The smaller, exquisitely beautiful island of Aitutaki offers hikes up Mount Maungapu for stunning views over the glittering lagoon which encircles the tiny island, this must be one of the most breathtaking vistas imaginable.
Water activities
Ocean-going canoes have long played a part in the history of the Cook Islands and to this day have a huge cultural significance. The local festival Vaka Eiva takes place in November, and is a popular event amongst locals and visitors alike. Those hardy types who fancy taking on the waves themselves can hire sea kayaks in both the seas off Rarotonga and the more relaxing waters of Aitutaki’s lagoon.
Diving is a real joy in the clear and calm South Pacific seas and reefs around the islands, where divers will see a spectacular variety of tropical fish, sharks, manta rays, barracudas and incredible 40 feet sea cliffs. Visibility is generally excellent (30-40 metres) and the water is a tempting 25C to 30C year round. Those wanting to take their PADI course can do so whilst for those who are happier bobbing on the surface snorkelling is the ideal way to see amazing sea life such as brightly coloured tropical fish and breathtakingly intricate corals. Many resorts have snorkelling equipment for guests to use.
Historically, surfing has always been a central part of ancient Polynesian culture, and the sport remains popular on the islands, with some spots on Rarotonga being especially suitable. Reliable surf can be found at Avana on the East coast of the island, and Rutaki Passage on the south coast. As Rarotonga has mostly reef breaks it is also becoming increasingly popular with boogie boarders.
For those travellers who prefer their adventure to be a little more sedate, a boat trip is the perfect way to view the islands and their exciting seas; glass bottomed boats and semi submersibles allow for unrivalled viewing of aquatic life, and are an exciting and unique way of sightseeing. For fast and breathtaking adventures on the open seas, high speed tours can be taken to see the whales off Rarotonga from July to October and make for an action packed day out.
Atiu Island
Atiu Island, also known as Enuamanu (land of the birds) lies 187 kilometers northeast of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. The island population of 569 is divided into five villages that radiate out from the centre of the island on a flat-topped central plateau. Surrounding the plateau is a ring of taro water gardens and then the jungle clad makatea (fossil coral reef). Notched into the cliffs of makatea are over 28 beaches untouched and almost unvisited except by those seeking a beautiful, quiet, and secluded spot.
Visitors to this secluded island can try their hand at cave exploration in untouched burial caves with guided caving expeditions available so that visitors can view the spectacular stalagmites and stalactites as well as the indigenous bird, the Kopeka. In fact, Atiu is also called Enuamau, which means ‘island of birds’ and for good reason as on this island you will find an abundance of different and exotic birds
Traditions are extremely important in Atiu, which is the only place in the Cooks Islands where the Tumunu ceremony still takes place. This is an elaborate ceremony where a local brew is drunk and also involves music, prayer and short introductions from each participant, visitors frequently participate in the tumunu!
Atiu Villas
Atiu Villas are situated on Atiu Island on the outskirts of the central villages. Atiu Villas are unique in that the chalet style villas are made almost entirely of local native timbers and materials and feature the polished woods of local tropical trees. Friendly hosts, Roger and Kura, will help organise visitors’ transport, tours, activities or their complete relaxation. A restaurant and bar are located on site, serving mouth-watering two course evening meals to guests.
Gina’s Garden Lodges
These four spacious, well-appointed lodges are located in secluded grounds and nestle in one and a half acres of flowers, plants and trees, as well as a featuring a large swimming pool to cool off in!
The lodges are a short 10 minute walk from Tautu Village on the Eastern side of Aitutaki Island.
Gina's Akaiami Beach Lodge
Whilst Gina’s Garden Lodges are located on the mainland, Gina's Akaiami Beach Lodge is on Akaiami Island situated five miles across the lagoon from the mainland. Akaiami Island is a coral island situated on the outer coral reef of Aitutaki lagoon, boasting a sweeping sandy lagoon beach and a more rugged, coral ocean beach - perfect for snorkeling!
Guests can relax on the colonial style veranda, enjoy the view of the palm trees framing the sparkling lagoon, take a dip in the lagoon or try their hand at flyfishing, snorkelling and even kiteboarding! To ensure complete guest privacy only one booking is accepted at a time for this property.
Castaway Villas
Castaway Beach Villas is an intimate and vibrant beachfront resort on the sunset coast of Rarotonga, offering self catering rooms plus a full service restaurant and two bars (poolside and beachfront).
Castaway Beach Villas are operated by a dedicated team of Cook Islanders who pride themselves on delivering the best Cook Islands hospitality. Guests are invited to sit on the deck to watch the humpback whales swim during the season of July to November, snorkel in the lagoon at high tide to view the magnificent coral gardens, or even an exhilarating kayak ride in the surf.
So how do I get there?
It’s simple… Air New Zealand offers a direct service, from London Heathrow to Rarotonga via Los Angeles. For more information visit www.airnewzealand.co.uk or call 0800 028 4149. An increasing popular option is to buy a round-the-world-ticket making the Cook Islands just one of the many stop-overs you take.
Air Rarotonga is the national carrier that operates regular scheduled flights from Rarotonga to eight of the outer islands in the southern and northern groups. Aitutaki can be reached from the main island of Rarotonga in just 45 minutes!
Read more:
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/holidays/activity-adventure-holidays/cook-island-adventure-holidays#ixzz15zbeJSFy
Think of the Cook Islands and the ‘picture perfect’ beach scene of white sands, lapped by clear turquoise waters springs to mind. Those in the know have realised that there is much more on offer on the fifteen tiny yet action -packed paradise islands!
Whilst ‘Island Time’ keeps the pace of life decidedly relaxed, many intrepid travellers choose to spice up their stay by adding some of the adrenaline rushes the Cooks have to offer.
Sightseeing
Walking and hiking remains one of the most popular options for a little gentle exercise and the 32 km main Island of Rarotonga can be crossed in just four hours. Most hikes on the island follow valley roads, some becoming a little more strenuous with the inclusion of mountain peaks and island landmarks such as the unique rock formation of Te Rua Manga (The Needle).
Walks through the centre of the islands are breathtakingly exotic, as the route leads the intrepid explorer through the largely uninhabited heart of the tropical rainforest, resulting in some close encounters with Mother Nature! The smaller, exquisitely beautiful island of Aitutaki offers hikes up Mount Maungapu for stunning views over the glittering lagoon which encircles the tiny island, this must be one of the most breathtaking vistas imaginable.
Water activities
Ocean-going canoes have long played a part in the history of the Cook Islands and to this day have a huge cultural significance. The local festival Vaka Eiva takes place in November, and is a popular event amongst locals and visitors alike. Those hardy types who fancy taking on the waves themselves can hire sea kayaks in both the seas off Rarotonga and the more relaxing waters of Aitutaki’s lagoon.
Diving is a real joy in the clear and calm South Pacific seas and reefs around the islands, where divers will see a spectacular variety of tropical fish, sharks, manta rays, barracudas and incredible 40 feet sea cliffs. Visibility is generally excellent (30-40 metres) and the water is a tempting 25C to 30C year round. Those wanting to take their PADI course can do so whilst for those who are happier bobbing on the surface snorkelling is the ideal way to see amazing sea life such as brightly coloured tropical fish and breathtakingly intricate corals. Many resorts have snorkelling equipment for guests to use.
Historically, surfing has always been a central part of ancient Polynesian culture, and the sport remains popular on the islands, with some spots on Rarotonga being especially suitable. Reliable surf can be found at Avana on the East coast of the island, and Rutaki Passage on the south coast. As Rarotonga has mostly reef breaks it is also becoming increasingly popular with boogie boarders.
For those travellers who prefer their adventure to be a little more sedate, a boat trip is the perfect way to view the islands and their exciting seas; glass bottomed boats and semi submersibles allow for unrivalled viewing of aquatic life, and are an exciting and unique way of sightseeing. For fast and breathtaking adventures on the open seas, high speed tours can be taken to see the whales off Rarotonga from July to October and make for an action packed day out.
Atiu Island
Atiu Island, also known as Enuamanu (land of the birds) lies 187 kilometers northeast of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. The island population of 569 is divided into five villages that radiate out from the centre of the island on a flat-topped central plateau. Surrounding the plateau is a ring of taro water gardens and then the jungle clad makatea (fossil coral reef). Notched into the cliffs of makatea are over 28 beaches untouched and almost unvisited except by those seeking a beautiful, quiet, and secluded spot.
Visitors to this secluded island can try their hand at cave exploration in untouched burial caves with guided caving expeditions available so that visitors can view the spectacular stalagmites and stalactites as well as the indigenous bird, the Kopeka. In fact, Atiu is also called Enuamau, which means ‘island of birds’ and for good reason as on this island you will find an abundance of different and exotic birds
Traditions are extremely important in Atiu, which is the only place in the Cooks Islands where the Tumunu ceremony still takes place. This is an elaborate ceremony where a local brew is drunk and also involves music, prayer and short introductions from each participant, visitors frequently participate in the tumunu!
Atiu Villas
Atiu Villas are situated on Atiu Island on the outskirts of the central villages. Atiu Villas are unique in that the chalet style villas are made almost entirely of local native timbers and materials and feature the polished woods of local tropical trees. Friendly hosts, Roger and Kura, will help organise visitors’ transport, tours, activities or their complete relaxation. A restaurant and bar are located on site, serving mouth-watering two course evening meals to guests.
Gina’s Garden Lodges
These four spacious, well-appointed lodges are located in secluded grounds and nestle in one and a half acres of flowers, plants and trees, as well as a featuring a large swimming pool to cool off in!
The lodges are a short 10 minute walk from Tautu Village on the Eastern side of Aitutaki Island.
Gina's Akaiami Beach Lodge
Whilst Gina’s Garden Lodges are located on the mainland, Gina's Akaiami Beach Lodge is on Akaiami Island situated five miles across the lagoon from the mainland. Akaiami Island is a coral island situated on the outer coral reef of Aitutaki lagoon, boasting a sweeping sandy lagoon beach and a more rugged, coral ocean beach - perfect for snorkeling!
Guests can relax on the colonial style veranda, enjoy the view of the palm trees framing the sparkling lagoon, take a dip in the lagoon or try their hand at flyfishing, snorkelling and even kiteboarding! To ensure complete guest privacy only one booking is accepted at a time for this property.
Castaway Villas
Castaway Beach Villas is an intimate and vibrant beachfront resort on the sunset coast of Rarotonga, offering self catering rooms plus a full service restaurant and two bars (poolside and beachfront).
Castaway Beach Villas are operated by a dedicated team of Cook Islanders who pride themselves on delivering the best Cook Islands hospitality. Guests are invited to sit on the deck to watch the humpback whales swim during the season of July to November, snorkel in the lagoon at high tide to view the magnificent coral gardens, or even an exhilarating kayak ride in the surf.
So how do I get there?
It’s simple… Air New Zealand offers a direct service, from London Heathrow to Rarotonga via Los Angeles. For more information visit www.airnewzealand.co.uk or call 0800 028 4149. An increasing popular option is to buy a round-the-world-ticket making the Cook Islands just one of the many stop-overs you take.
Air Rarotonga is the national carrier that operates regular scheduled flights from Rarotonga to eight of the outer islands in the southern and northern groups. Aitutaki can be reached from the main island of Rarotonga in just 45 minutes!
Read more:
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/holidays/activity-adventure-holidays/cook-island-adventure-holidays#ixzz15zbeJSFy
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