Rarotonga means "down south" and is the largest of the Cook Islands.
Rarotonga is the only true volcanic island in the Cooks. The reefs here are much
closer to the shore than in Tahiti. Rarotonga is the center of the government and most the most activity occurs in the
town of Avarua. The Cook Islands are known around the world by stamp
collectors for their beautiful stamps that are frequently sought by collectors.
There are numerous beautiful old churches, maraes (temples), and sparkling beaches.
English is spoken by all people because of the previous New Zealand Protectorate (occupation).
Cook Island language is also spoken and it is very similar to Tahitian and to
Maori (from New Zealand). Legends and popular opinion dictate that the
inhabitants of the Cooks came from Tahiti by sail and canoe many years ago.
The Maori of New Zealand were the next jump of migration as the polynesians
moved on from the Cooks to the South and East. They have many similarities in
their languages and culture.
Aitutaki
Aitutaki is truly one of the most beautiful islands in the South Pacific and
the lagoon is just a slighter shade of light blue than Bora Bora of Tahiti.
It is a true coral atoll with a small central island with a fringing
coral reef surrounding the main island and shallow lagoon. It has slower
pace of life with coconut groves and banana plantations spread around the low
island. Numerous small motus (islets) exist around the perimeter of the lagoon
From Aitutaki's tallest hill Maungapu (120m) you can enjoy 360 degree views
of the aquamarine lagoon and encircling reef and motus. While walking down
the coral roads into town, many people smile, wave and say kia orana as if
the visitor is just another village friend from next door.
Here are a few links for further exploration of the Cook Islands
