The Cook Islands
Just a 3.5 hour flight from Auckland, or with links from Hawaii or Tahiti, we have selected the Cook Islands as our first destination other than New Zealand. We have done so as we consider the destination uniquely suited to our style of tourism, focused on making available to travellers a true experience of an exceptional destination. We consider the Cook Islands exceptional for two reasons:
(1) Rarotonga - Tourism in the Community
Unlike many idyllic tropical island destinations which focus on inclusive resorts to satisfy tourists, Rarotonga, with a very approachable circumference of 32km, the main island of the Cooks group, makes itself available as an entire community. This is a place where it is possible to live like a local, backed up by accommodation at the 4 and 5 star level. No overwater bungalows, but a coffee cart up the road, friendly bar staff all over the place, local-owned adventure tourism businesses, and a wide selection of resataurants. People who fall in love with the Cook Islands often become return visitors, staying for more than a month at a time.
We asked an expatriate from another Pacific Island why he had ended up in Rarotonga. He told us it had all the advantages of his home island but had services which worked efficiently.
Personally, we were impressed with the respect here. Respect for the land, respect for the water and respect for the people.
(2) The Outlying Islands - Untouched
Rarotonga is one of 15 islands in the Cook Island group, the gateway. The others are from a 50-minute to 4+ hour flight away.
Aitutaki is the most well known with the superb Pacific Resort providing high quality facilities on this beautiful lagoon.
Others are home to a variety of natural wonders. To give you a quick feel:
- 200 visitors a year on one island
- only one house available for rent on a few islands
- freshwater hidden pools
- endemic bird species
- black pearls you can dive for yourself
- cool locals
And we have the partners to open all this up for you and your family, including guides, chefs, and day trips if the facilities are too rudimentary.
