Group of 15 islands located in the South Pacific halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, Cook Islands lie in the hot spot of everything that is associated with remote beach holiday paradise. Seen from any continent, these lovely tropical islands in the Pacific Ocean are surrounded by thousands of kilometers of open water. The water is so turquoise and in its abundance of marine life so inviting that you will have problems not to dive in it the very first moment you arrive at this high class holiday paradise.
Nature paradise. A beach and water sports paradise by nature, Cook Islands offer ideal surroundings for diving and snorkeling. There are also good opportunities for hiking on Cook Islands. The southern Cook Islands are volcanic, which also adds their attraction for those who like to explore nature wonders. Sunbathing and relaxing on the Cook Islands beaches will be enjoyable throughout the year. However, one of the things Cook Islands are not is a shopping paradise. There are very few shopping malls available, but instead you can find small shops selling colorful local clothing, pearls, souvenirs and handicrafts. Water sports gear is also widely available. Prices on the Cook Island are quite high due to the fact that almost all goods are imported from New Zealand.
Water sports and beach holiday paradise: Cook Islands
Named after Captain Cook who explored the islands in 1770, Cook Islands carry a rich Polynesian Maori heritage influenced by British and New Zealand cultures. Today, the Cook Islands are a self-governing region in free association with New Zealand. Everyday life on Cook Islands is slow-paced and relaxing, and the local people of Cook Islands are hospitable to the many visitors who today enter this South Pacific paradise location. The most popular of the islands are Rarotonga, the main island with volcanic mountain landscapes and beautiful beaches, and Aitutaki, a low-lying atoll that is famous for its fascinating lagoon.Nature paradise. A beach and water sports paradise by nature, Cook Islands offer ideal surroundings for diving and snorkeling. There are also good opportunities for hiking on Cook Islands. The southern Cook Islands are volcanic, which also adds their attraction for those who like to explore nature wonders. Sunbathing and relaxing on the Cook Islands beaches will be enjoyable throughout the year. However, one of the things Cook Islands are not is a shopping paradise. There are very few shopping malls available, but instead you can find small shops selling colorful local clothing, pearls, souvenirs and handicrafts. Water sports gear is also widely available. Prices on the Cook Island are quite high due to the fact that almost all goods are imported from New Zealand.
Practical information for your trip to Cook Islands
Cook Islands enjoy a tropical climate with warm weather throughout the year. There is a dry season lasting from April to November, which is the best time to visit Cook Islands, and a rainy season from December to March.
Photo: benedict.adam, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
Temperatures are around 30 degrees of Celsius all year round, but as the local climate is influenced by trade winds, the heat does not seem unbearable even at the time when the sun directs its strongest power on the beaches and lagoons of the Cook Islands.
Travelling to Cook Islands is done mainly by air. The main airport of Cook islands is located on Rarotonga. It receives flights to Cook Islands from for example New Zealand, Tahiti and the USA, and offers also domestic flights to other Cook Islands. Sailing to Cook Islands is also possible. Due to strict immigration rules, reservations for Cook Islands hotels should always be done in advance.
Tourism is the mainstay of economy on the Cook Islands, so you will find good tourism services here. Hotels in Cook Islands are found mainly on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, but also other islands such as Atiu have some accommodation available. The English-speaking Cook Islands are a safe destination where you will not have to be afraid for your safety, except for maybe the occasional threats provided by the tropical nature. Medical care, however, is limited especially on the outer Cook Islands.
