TRAVELLER
OUR REGION BY CRAIG TANSLEY
KNOW THY NEIGHBOUR: Cook Islands The Cook Islands are known for their lagoons and safe swimming.
Where are the Cook Islands? The Cook Islands are a group of 15 islands, separated into the Northern Group and the more accessible Southern Group, which includes the main island, Rarotonga. Part of Polynesia, the Cook Islands are 5808 kilometres east of Papua New Guinea, near Tahiti. The international airport is located on Rarotonga – most tourists remain on Rarotonga, though honeymoon favourite Aitutaki is also popular, 40 minutes flying time north. There are regular flights available to other islands of the Southern Group. What language do they speak? The Cook Islands’ two official languages are Cook Islands Maori and English. On all but the most remote islands, English is widely spoken. What’s there for visitors? The Cook Islands epitomise the easy-living Polynesian lifestyle. Locals are a huge attraction; they’re notoriously friendly, and although there are many resorts and hotels, travellers can easily immerse themselves within the local lifestyle beyond resort restaurants and bars. Lagoons and a mountainous hinterland are a feature of
36 Paradise – Air Niugini’s in-flight magazine
Rarotonga, allowing for safe swimming and marine activities, from diving to kayaking and fishing. The social scene is a feature of Rarotonga, with everything from sunset bars to cocktail bars set on lagoons. What makes the economy tick? You do. Tourism makes up an astounding 66 per cent of the Cook Islands’ GDP. Agriculture comes a distant second, at 18 per cent. What is the currency? The Cook Islands have two official currencies: the Cook Islands dollar and the New Zealand dollar. Most travellers and locals use New Zealand dollars. What are the highlights? There are many – the lagoons of Rarotonga will entice you to swim several times a day, while Aitutaki’s enormous lagoon (pictured) is considered the South Pacific’s most pristine and can be accessed on a range of boat tours. Humpback whales pass by from July to October. The Cook Islands are also considered one of the South Pacific’s best diving locations. The dining scene on Rarotonga
features some of the South Pacific’s best restaurants and includes the option to take a progressive dinner through locals’ homes. Anything unusual? You’ve heard of kava – but in Atiu you can drink a bush beer at jungle bars called tumunu. ‘Know Thy Neighbour’ is a column that puts the focus on countries near PNG or in the Pacific region.
Papua New Guinea
Solomon Islands Vanuatu
Cook Islands
