Cook Islands Area Information Guide

Cook Islands

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GUIDES

Welcome

The Cook Islandsto

Palm-fringed beaches, stunning mountain scenery and endless tropical weather are all part of the resplendent character of the Cook Islands.Whether this is your first time to the Cook Islands or you’re returning to enjoy this tropical haven, we invite you to indulge yourself in this tiny nation. Relax, take it easy and make sure that you take the time to explore.

These idyllic and enchanting islands are home to just over 12,000 Cook Islanders. The central volcanic island, Rarotonga, is fringed by a coral reef and boasts shallow lagoons, pristine beaches and snorkelling hotspots.

The language spoken here is known as Cook Islands Maori, which is similar to New Zealand Maori.

Anthropologists suggest that New Zealand Maori migrated from the Cook Islands to New Zealand, and the similarities in both the language and the kinship between the two groups stems from their possible common origin.

There’s so much to see and do in the Cook Islands. Snorkel and dive in the pristine waters here. Trek some of the Cooks’ rugged terrain or check out one of the spectacular cultural shows at night. Whatever you do, you’re sure to enjoy your time in this tropical oasis.

For more information on the Cook Islands, please visit www.cookislands.travel.

Welcome

The Cook Islandsto

The Cook Islands is one of the most remote paradises in the South Pacific. With a total landmass of some 240 square kilometres, the fifteen islands and atolls cover a sea area of almost 2 million square kilometres.

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If you want to unwind, you’ve come to the right place! Kick back, relax and soak up the casual ambience of the Cook Islands.

The atmosphere in the Cook Islands is relaxed and informal. The dress sense reflects this so you’ll probably find you’re most at home in comfortable sunsmart apparel. The Cook Islands is charmingly conservative when it comes to clothing, so walking around town in swimwear is not deemed respectful to the locals.

Music and dance are important components of the lifestyle and culture in the Cook Islands, and Cook Islanders are regarded as fine Polynesian dancers. Dance groups from the islands have won many international awards and the lively, upbeat drumming which accompanies it is renowned amongst its contemporary neighbours.

Traditional Cook Islander art revolves around decorative woodcarvings, tattooing and tapa cloth designs. Whilst the traditional tattooing and tapa cloth customs are no longer widespread, there are several contemporary carvers sculpting local wood and supplying boutique shops with Tangaroa (the male fertility God) statues and other trinkets like the pate slit drums.

Tangaroa was a favourite subject for wood carvings and some intriguing examples can be seen in the Cook Islands Museum in Avarua Town, along with other replica wood carvings like large hollowed bowls, story boards and war spears.

Cook Islands

Culture

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DO NOT: • drive a motorcyle in excess of 40kmph without

wearing an approved safety helmet

• drive in excess of 30kmph in a reduced speed zone or drive in excess of 50kmph

• CARRY more than one passenger or a child in front of the driver while driving a motorcycle

• drive a motorcycle or bicycle abreast of another vehicle heading in the same direction

• drive a vehicle without a current overseas license

• drive a motorcycle without a current Cook Islands license or an overseas motorcycle license

• drive a motorcycle on any road without receiving good driving instructions

• drive in excess of 20kmph while passing a school bus.

Useful Information

Important Road Rules

CURRENCY The Cook Islands’ currency is the New Zealand Dollar. This is supplemented by the Cook Islands’ own notes and coinage. Major credit cards are readily accepted on the main island of Rarotonga. Travellers cheques can be cashed for about 3% more than either cash or credit cards and are also accepted at most large shops and resorts. Western Union, in the Avarua Township, changes currency and travellers cheques. On the outer islands, the Post Office acts as a banking system for cashing travellers cheques, accepting Western Union money transfers and foreign exchange notes. Credit cards, however, will not be accepted. Western Union has a money transfer outlet in Avarua Town.

WATER Generally, it is advised for visitors not to drink the tap water in the Cook Islands. Even though the tap water on Rarotonga is filtered, it is not treated and it becomes slightly muddy after periods of heavy rain. Most resorts and hotels have installed their own filtration systems and there’s a number of local filling stations in villages which are free for people to use.

DRIVING Drivers must have a valid overseas license in order to drive in the Cook Islands. The same applies for a motorcycle license. If visitors wish to drive a motorcycle, but do not have a valid motorcycle license from their home country, they can purchase one from the Police station for $20 after completing a practical test for $5.

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RarotongaBoasting picturesque beaches and lush mountain views, Rarotonga offers fun water and leisure activities as well as excellent walking treks.The beaches on the north/north eastern side of the island are best suited for surfers as the reef is fairly close. However, the lagoon is a shallow haven for people of all swimming abilities and is very popular with families and keen snorkellers. Nude and topless bathing are deemed offensive in the Polynesian culture and visitors are reminded to wear appropriate swimming attire when visiting the beaches.

AVARUA TOWN On the north coast of Rarotonga, about 5 minutes drive from the international airport, Avarua Town is a pleasant seaside township with a number of restaurants and boutique shops. The Saturday morning market is a fantastic place to buy local produce, such as fruits, vegetables and handcrafted items. There’s also 2 international banks with ATMs, internet booths and supermarkets available here.

MURI BEACH Set on the south-east corner of Rarotonga, Muri Beach is a popular spot for watersports. The white sandy beach with coconut palms and ironwood trees stretches for about a mile. There are four small uninhabited islands within the reef which can be reached by wading across at low and high tide,

or by renting a kayak or taking a treddle cat (commonly known as a pedal boat). Maire Nui Gardens, the only botanical gardens of the island, is situated on the coastal island road around 3kms clockwise from Muri and about 600m past the Fruits of Rarotonga. The gardens are well laid out, and contain many samples of the fruit and flora of the islands.

SOUTH COAST RAROTONGA Majestic deserted beaches make the south coast of Rarotonga the perfect place for those seeking their own private paradise. About a 10 minute hike inland from the South Coast Road you’ll find Wigmore’s Papua Waterfall, an excellent spot for swimming. The falls are usually in full flow between November and May but can stop running in the dryer months. Tip: don’t forget your mosquito repellent.

WEST COAST RAROTONGA Meandering along the entire west coast of Rarotonga, the beach is backed by dense, natural wilderness which is perfect for exploring. This areas also contains a great selection of bars and restaurants where you can sit and enjoy Rarotonga’s stunning, warm sunsets.

While the Cook Islands is known for its tropical beauty and popular activities such as snorkelling and diving, the region also boasts some great shopping.

To take a piece of paradise home with you, there’s nothing quite like the regional craft which showcases the unique culture. And don’t forget that the area is treasured for its stunning black pearls. What better souvenir to remind you of the exquisite beauty of the Cook Islands?

You’ll also find hand painted sarongs and bedding , which reflect the sunny atmosphere of the region and the people. Pamper yourself with a spa manicure or pedicure to round off a perfect day shopping.

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Shopping

The Cook Islands

Hello Kia orana How are you? Pe’ea koe?Thank you Meitaki Good luck Kia manuiaSee you later Ka kite Goodbye Aere raFood KaiYes ’AeNo Kare

Cook Islands Maori and English are the two official languages of the Cook Islands.

The other languages spoken in the Cook Islands are Pukapukan and dialects of Cook Island Maori such as Penrhyn, Rakahanga-Manihiki, Mitiaro, and Mauke, just to name a few.

Cook Islands Maori is known as an Eastern Polynesian language, which is closely related to such languages as New Zealand Maori, Hawaiian and Tahitian.

Try some of these basic phrases with the locals:

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Cultured

Black PearlsCook Islands cultured black pearls are exquisite rare gems perfected by nature in the stunning lagoons of the Northern Cook Islands.The lustre of the pearl is reminiscent of the rainbow belonging to Rongo, the Polynesian God of peace, who descended from the heavens on a rainbow. A thousand years later, pearls remain the most treasured of all gems found in the Pacific Islands.

The Cook Islands’ long heritage in pearl farming started in the 1800s when the lagoons of Manihiki and Penrhyn (Tongareva) were harvested for natural pearls and for the black-lipped mother-of-pearl shells. Although pearl cultivation began in the 1970s, commercial pearl farming did not commence until the 1980s on Manihiki and then later extended to the islands of Penrhyn and Rakahanga.

Strict benchmarks and standards must be met to qualify under the AVAIKI Pearls brand monitored by the Cook Islands Pearl Authority. The small annual crop makes them a truly rare gem, and so they are only available through a network of accredited outlets in the Cook Islands.

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See & DoThings

The Cook Islands is a region flush in beautiful attractions and holiday activities. Take the time to explore this wondrous paradise.• Snorkel around the lagoon that surrounds

Raratonga. Check out Black Rock Beach for great snorkelling.

• The pristine waters of the Cook Islands are perfect for diving. Embark on a diving tour to acquaint yourself with the local marine life.

• For fishing enthusiasts, there’s plenty of opportunity here to pull in some marlin, yellow fin tuna, wahoo or mahi mahi.

• There’s a number of good hiking tracks in the Cook Islands. The Cross-Island Walk, Raemaru

Trek and Te Kou Trek are all worth trekking. Make sure you check out the difficulty of the trek before embarking on it.

• Explore the island in a buggy and learn about the rich culture and heritage of Rarotonga.

• Book a progressive dining tour, which invites visitors into the warm and welcoming homes of Cook Islanders.

• Get along to one of the famous Cultural Nights where you’ll be privy to great food and vibrant local entertainment.

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Travelling by road, bicycle or foot, Rarotonga has everything within easy reach.In Rarotonga, there are two passenger buses which operate on a regular basis, clockwise and anticlockwise. There are bus timetables that can be found at all accommodation establishments and the tourism information centre in various publications. There are nominated bus stops; however, in the typically friendly Cook Islands way, visitors can simply f lag down a bus from anywhere and, in most cases, the bus driver will stop. As this practice has now become common, many bus drivers will expect you to signal from a designated bus stop. So don’t be shy, wave away!

Two roads circle Rarotonga: new coastal road (Ara Tapu) and the inner road (Ara Metua), which is said to be the oldest in Polynesia. By scooter you should be able to circumnavigate the island in two hours. A bicycle ride, at a leisurely pace, will take you around three hours, though with sightseeing included you can easily make it a full-day adventure. Bicycles are readily available for hire on Rarotonga and are a great way of getting around.

Generally, travel to the outer islands is done by air. Contact Air Rarotonga for the latest f light information. Flights to most islands take about 45 minutes. It is also possible to travel to the outer islands by sea; although substantially more affordable, these services are infrequent and take some planning due to the limitations associated with travelling this way.

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With the most pristine waters in the world and a diverse range of marine life, the undisputed beauty of the Cook Islands draws divers and snorkellers from all over the globe.The lagoon around Rarotonga is a haven for marine life, thanks to the protective coral reef on the southern side that acts as a wall between the ocean. Once you pass over the reef, the ocean floor falls to a depth of approximately 4,500 metres.

While it is safe to snorkel in the lagoon there are some areas to avoid: the water passages that enter from the land can be dangerous at times due to strong currents. You will see the water passages easily if you are snorkelling, as they are large open formations that appear in a similar way to a small river mouth.

Be sure to wear reef shoes when you snorkel because some of the rocks and shells can be sharp. Reef shoes are available throughout Rarotonga, both at the resorts and through various small hire operators situated along the roadside. It is extremely important to remember that the reef is a delicate eco system that is under constant threat from modern day interference.

Visitors are encouraged to view, swim through and admire the reef, but are asked to avoid walking or stepping on coral. It is also recommended that you shuffle your feet so that you don’t crush the delicate sea f lora and crustaceans.

The snorkelling on the south eastern side of Rarotonga is superb between Muri Beach and the Fruits of Rarotonga. There is also great snorkelling on Aroa Beach, Titikaveka Beach and Social Centre Beach.

Rarotonga Dive ChartersAdventure Cook Islands - Reef To See 22 212 Cook Island Divers 22 483 Dive Rarotonga 21 873 Pacific Divers 22 450 The Dive Centre 20 238

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HavenFishing

It’s not uncommon to see locals fishing from small boats in the waters surrounding the lagoon, pulling in a catch that is large enough to sell to resorts and restaurants around town.

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Fishing in the Cook Islands is simply world class. Close to shore, fishermen can pull in marlin, yellow fin tuna, mahi mahi and wahoo. These are all great fighting fish and its quite common to reel in a 16kg specimen. Charter boats can target specific species such as giant trevalley, yellow fin tuna, red snapper (deep bottom), bluefin trevalley, wahoo and marlin.

If you are travelling to Aitutaki, be sure to try your hand at bonefishing. The area is famous for the sport and monster bonefish of up to 9kgs have been caught here. Bonefish are generally caught on fly and the Aitutaki lagoon’s large expanse gives the visitor a few options on where to fish at different times of the day.

Due to the unique habitat, the lagoon has generated its own very sensitive micro environment. Many of the fish in the lagoon carry a toxin called ‘ciguatera’ which can cause severe food poisoning. With this in mind, visitors are asked to refrain from fishing in the lagoon around Rarotonga.

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Food is an intrinsic part of the Cook Islands hospitality experience, so be sure to take full advantage of the exciting array of dining options available.In Rarotonga, you won’t be short on options for dining out, with chefs serving up a delicious blend of Pacific and international cuisines. Utilising the finest of fresh local ingredients and specialty imports, you’ll discover a culinary oasis within the island’s spectacular surrounds. It’s recommended that you try the curried octopus and smoked marlin salad, which are both renowned local treats.

Some of the restaurants on the island only open for dinner so it’s a good idea to book as in peak trade periods you risk missing out. It’s also worth noting that there’s a tendency to eat early in the Cook Islands so, as a result, many restaurants will close their kitchens as early as 9pm.

Generally speaking, restaurants provide entertainment which means you can sit back and dine while the entertainment comes to you. In most cases, restaurants are licensed to serve alcohol. The dress code for restaurants is casual, and women are encouraged to wear a flower behind their ear in true Cook Islands style. Most food establishments are open for breakfast and lunch.

If you’re seeking a dining experience that allows you to absorb the local culture and food first hand, try a progressive dining tour. This will be one of the most memorable gastronomical experiences of your life. Progressive dining tours take you inside the homes of Rarotongans to experience authentic Cook Islands cuisine and that special hospitality that the locals are known for. The tour takes up to 5 hours and includes 3 courses being hosted at 3 different homes.

For a fresh food experience try Te Punanga Nui Market on Rarotonga, which occurs every Saturday morning from 6am-12pm. You can taste a range of locally-grown tropical produce as well you can enjoy crafts, exotic f lora and live cultural performances.

In Aitutaki, the Pacific and international food fusion continues with restaurants serving up a mix of fresh locally-caught seafood, pizza and pasta, and curries. There’s plenty of restaurants providing beautiful ocean views, so this is definitely a place to relax, eat and unwind.

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If you’ve never experienced a Cook Islands Cultural Night then you’re in for a treat. They are a reflection of the history and diversity particular to the Cook Islands. At the Island Nights, visitors will get a glimpse of what the tradition of Maori culture in the Cook Islands means, and how it developed to produce such a proud and strong race. Each Island Night show differs from the other and visitors are encouraged to take the time to experience a number of shows to absorb the local culture.

For a unique experience, the world famous Shipwreck Hut offers very different BBQ nights on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Here you will be served ‘cocktails in jars’ by staff that dance, while musicians sing and entertain (3 nights a week) as you sit and view a sunset that is arguably the envy of all in the Pacific. Te Vara Nui hosts a spectacular over-water show which ensures that everyone leaves with big smiles and full bellies. The establishment entertains guests with gorgeous, energetic dancers in traditional, vibrant costumes. There is a scrumptious island feast to follow, which gives guests a taste of some local delicacies.

The nightlife at Avarua is great and bars such as Whatever!, Staircase and Trader Jacks are fantastic places to hang out and be entertained. Whether you are going for a drink, a meal or simply somewhere just to enjoy the relaxed local culture you won’t be disappointed when you venture out.

EntertainmentIf you’re seeking entertainment to relax and unwind to, you’ll be delighted by what the Cook Islands has to offer.

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Aitutaki is a small, tranquil island less than an hour’s flight from the main island of Rarotonga. Its sheer beauty is difficult to surpass.Aitutaki, surrounded by a shimmering turquoise lagoon, is the quintessential island getaway. The main village Arutunga is located on the west coast and features shops, a post office and a wharf.

HISTORY OF AITUTAKIIt’s believed a Polynesian explorer, Ru, with others in tow settled in Aitutaki approximately 1,000 years ago. Europeans didn’t discover the tiny island until 1789 when Captain William Bligh sailed in on the Bounty, famous for the mutiny that ensued onboard 17 days later. In 1821, a missionary named John Williams arrived in the Cook Islands to introduce Christianity to the Islands via his Tahitian converts. Aitutaki was the first island to absorb Christianity into its culture. The CICC Church, made from limestone coral rock, stands as a memorial of the movement and is the oldest standing in the region today. Aitutaki subsequently played a small part in World War II hosting American and New Zealand troupes in 1942.

CULTUREA’i tutaki means ‘to keep the fire going’, which is an apt name for the island both in a literal sense and as a metaphor for the rich culture that thrives in Aitutaki today. Every Thursday night you can see the Tamanu

Beach Cultural Fire and Dance Show. Showcasing authentic costumes and dancers, the show is a testament to the island’s enduring customs.

ATTRACTIONSWhile on Aitutaki, be sure to check out Mount Maungapu, which is a simple 30-minute walk to the summit. A great way to explore the island is by scooter or bicycle. If you’re feeling energetic, try your hand at kite boarding, a popular sporting activity in the Cook Islands. Day cruises depart from the main island of Aitutaki to the small, uninhabited surrounding islands.

You can spend the entire day out on the lagoon snorkelling and exploring the motus (islands) within the atoll, from Honeymoon Island to One foot island. There is a variety of operators to choose from, and they all offer something unique. Maina Island, one of the motus within the lagoon, plays host to large sea turtles throughout the year. Mating season starts in August so they tend to nest between November and February and the eggs hatch between February and May.

If you’re a fishing enthusiast, the Aitutaki Lagoon is home to some of the largest species of bone fish. If deep sea fishing is more your game, the region also caters to some great deep sea fishing.

Aitutaki

Aitutaki Police 31 015 Aitutaki Hospital 31 002 The Post office is located at the main 4 way junction in town. Open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm.Internet is widely available with Wifi telecom spots.Aitutaki has two ATMs Air Rarotonga: Flights available Monday–Sunday with 2-4 flights per day. Call 22 888 for reservations.

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EMERGENCY SERVICESPolice 999Ambulance or the Hospital 998Fire 996Non-emergency Police 22 499

HOSPITALRarotonga Hospital 22 664Sanatorium Road, Rarotonga

PHARMACIESC.I.T.C. Pharmacy 29 292 – C.I.T.C. shopping centre,

west of the traffic circle in AvaruaCook Islands Pharmacy 27 577 – beside the stream east of

the traffic circle in AvaruaCook Islands Pharmacy 27 587 – Muri Beach Outlet

BUSESCooks Islands Bus 25 512

BANKSBSP Bank – main road in centre of Avarua; opened weekdays 9am - 3pm, Saturday 9am - midday (ATM available)ANZ Bank – next to the Visitor Information Centre in Avarua; opened Monday to Thursday 9am - 3pm, and till 4pm Fridays (ATM available)

SUPERMARKETSLocated in Avarua or on Aitutaki. VISITOR INFORMATIONThe Cook Islands Visitor Information Centre is located next to the ANZ Bank in Avarua.

CHURCH SERVICES

There is at least one Christian Church in each village and most services (apart from the Seventh Day Adventist Church) are held at 10am on Sundays.

ServicesEssential

MARCH• Te Mire Atu song composers competiton• Penrhyn Gospel Day • Women’s triathlon • V12 Corporate oe vaka (canoeing) races

APRIL• Oe Vaka Corporate race • Dancer of the Year Contest (Te Mire Ura)• Tin man triathlon • ANZAC cricket match

MAY• Dancer of the year Contest - National Finals• International triathlon week • Turtles Round Raro Cycle Race • Oceania Masters Squash Tournament • Te Aito Cook Islands (outrigger canoe race) • Palmerston Gospel Day

JUNE• Kumete sports day • Pacific netball series starts • Mangaia Gospel Day

JULY• Atiu Gospel Day • Mitiaro Gospel Day • Mauke Gospel Day • Whale watching season begins• Te Maeva Nui (cultural festival) starts

AUGUST• Te Maeva Nui (cultural festival) continues• Manihiki Gospel Day • Rakahanga Gospel Day

SEPTEMBER• Manureva Aquafest (Aitutaki) • Round Raro road race • Rugby club 15s grand finals

OCTOBER• Manea games (Mauke) • Te Mire Tama (f lower festival contests) • Aitutaki Gospel Day • National gospel day • International rugby “7s in heaven”

NOVEMBER• Turama • Rotary Presidents Golf Tournament• Vaka Eiva Festival

DECEMBER• ‘Motu 2 Motu’ canoe races, Aitutaki• Netball in paradise • Pukapuka Gospel Day • Christmas in the park, Rarotonga• Boxing day touch rugby tournament

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The information contained in this publication is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, John Batman Group disclaims any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising material appearing in this publication is supplied by the operator or service provider and John Batman Group is not responsible for the accuracy of advertising content.

This guest services room publication is compiled and produced by John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, publishers of specialist room directories and magazines. John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, and Just Brilliant Guides are trademarks of Binders Compendiums Menu Covers Pty Ltd. © Copyright all rights reserved. JBG–P John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket.

PO Box 726, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia 3134.Tel: (03) 9879 8588 Fax: (03) 9879 8688Email: [email protected]: www.johnbatman.com.au

Compiled with the assistance of Cook Islands Tourism Marketing Corporation.

Images courtesy of Cook Islands Tourism Marketing Corporation. Front cover Craig Owen, trio of images front cover (left to right) Craig Owen, Kieran Scott and Annika Turpie. Back cover Annika Turpie.

Managing DirectorJarrod La Canna

Advertising SalesAnnika Turpie

Graphic DesignCarolyn Tellus

Design Assistance Maurice D’Angelo Leeanne Lisle

Studio EditorKarla Dondio

Operations ManagerEleanor White

Accounts & AdministrationRebecca Zalavary

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