Named after the explorer Captain James Cook, the Cook Islands are an idyllic South Pacific paradise. Amazing scenery abounds, both on the coast and inland, as visitors can relax on the white beaches or trek through the interior and see beautiful tropical flora.
The main island of Rarotonga contains 75% of the Cook Islands population. You can lie on the beaches on the South Coast and admire the lagoon, or tramp across the island via the Te Rua Manga route named after the famous rocky spire that it passes by. There are also outstanding opportunities for snorkelling and diving. After a long day of physical activity, you can take in one of the “island nights”, which combine buffets of local food with traditional song and dance (and sometimes spectacular visuals such as fire-juggling).
The island of Aitutaki is famous for its lagoon, which is one of the best in the Pacific. There is excellent snorkelling and diving here too, and one can hike to the peak of Maungapu for an excellent view of the island and lagoon.
Other islands (Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro, and Mangaia) have an impressive array of caves (burial and otherwise) to explore and some excellent beaches. There are a number of marae (pre-Christian sacred places) on these islands and Mangaia is also noted for its collection of churches (from the locally dominant Cook Island Christian denomination).
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