A net of 15 islands in the heart of the South Pacific spread over an area the size of India with a population no bigger than a small New Zealand country town, 14,000 souls. The Cook Islands are a part of New Zealand and were discovered (by Europeans) when Captain Cook visited. These unique and friendly Polynesians have their own language and government and enjoy a vigorous and diverse culture with significant differences between each island. Despite some 70,000 visitors a year to the capital island, Rarotonga, the Cooks are largely unspoiled by tourism. They offer a rare opportunity for people from the cities of the world to experience a different type of vacation. There are no high-rise hotels, only four beach buggies and very little hype. Ideal for travellers seeking more than the usual cliché associated with the South Seas, each island has its unique qualities and offers the visitor a special experience.
The nation of the Cook Islands comprises 15 islands spread over 850,000 square miles (2.2 million square kilometres) of ocean smack in the middle of the South Pacific between Tonga to the west and the Society Islands to the east. The Cook Islands consists of two main groups, one in the north and one in the south. The southern group is nine "high" islands mainly of volcanic origin although some are virtually atolls. The majority of the population lives in the southern group. The northern group comprises six true atolls. COOK Islanders are true Polynesians, the finest seafarers of the vast Pacific, voyagers on frail canoes who felt at home on the ocean and who travelled across its huge wastes in search of new lands and new beginnings. The journeys undertaken by these stone age people in their fragile craft dwarf the voyages of exploration boasted of by the Portuguese, Spanish, British, Dutch, and French. Over-population on many of the tiny islands of Polynesia led to these oceanic migrations.
The Cook Islands enjoys universal suffrage, democratic government, a privately-owned newspaper and a vigorous standard of debate. For all practical purposes the Cook Islands is independent. It is governed by a Parliament of 24 elected representatives including one who represents Cook Islanders living in New Zealand and Australia, as well as a House of Ariki or hereditary chiefs who provide consultation and advice. The Members of Parliament represent districts and entire islands. The system is based on the Westminster model and elections are held every five years. The Head of State is Queen Elizabeth II in her capacity as Queen of New Zealand. Rarotonga, the largest island, has excellent lagoons fringed by white-sand beaches and living coral reefs, making swimming and snorkelling safe and enjoyable. Inland areas have a dramatic rugged profile with a lush rainforest cover, valleys feature small plantations and colourful village gardens of vibrant tropical flora. The local people take pride in keeping their homes and and villages clean and tidy. The natural environment is unspoiled and unpolluted. Several cultural events and various festivals are held throughout the year. Restaurants , bars, cafes and social clubs are plentiful.
