The 15 Cook Islands

The 15 islands of the Cooks lie halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii.

A mix of coral atolls and volcanic islands, good few of the nine Southern islands could be listed as “must see before I die”. An idyllic climate, stunning scenery, warm-hearted people and a desirable way of life where “hurry” has not been coined, make them irresistible. Bush clad volcanic peaks descend to glistening white sands and the inevitable palm-fringed blue lagoons. Rarotonga, the capital and Aitutaki, breathtakingly beautiful dominate the call of the conch. 

Rarotonga 
Dominated by a once almighty volcanic pyramid, now worn down by time and streams to sawtooth peaks and razorback ridges, the lush green carpeted Rarotonga, is the capital, and the hub of the Cook Islands. 

It is also the youngest island of the group, so unlike its equally enchanting sisters which have been eroded and submerged by age, Rarotonga stands brilliantly upright against the sun. Its vistas are strewn and spiked with jutting pinnacles that fall to terraces and flats planted with bananas, coconuts, paw paw and pineapples that shift into a swampy plateau marked by the inimitable taro patch. 

Aitutaki 
The view from here reveals a spectacular array of technicolor fish which can be seen close up by taking a Bishop’s Cruise (an experience in itself – the Aitutakians aptitude for song and dance and storytelling comes to the fore with a captive audience of sightseers.) Get your passport stamped on One Foot Island – step onto the first landing for the flying boats that flew the original Coral Route, go snorkeling in the clearest waters ever seen or simply spend a few hours slipping from sand to sea. 

Six of these beautiful Cook Islands lie to the north. Described as “the stuff that dreams are made of”, their remote appeal pulls at the hearts of explorers, adventurers, authors and artists. Each island is unique. Discover the largest atoll, Penrhyn , the intriguing island of Suwarrow with a population of two, Pukapuka with its own language and Manihiki with its treasure trove of black pearls. The palm-fringed pearly white sands framing turquoise lagoons will prove irresistible.

Pukapuka
Pukapuka is a fisherman’s paradise. The indigo waters outside the reef are rich with fish – yellow fin tuna and mahi mahi can be caught in their numbers on a daily run; catching flying fish at night is a thrilling experience for all. Fast little boats literally fly over the water chasing them and scooping them up in nets. Barbecued over hot stones or marinated in coconut cream is a delicacy gourmands dream about. 

Manihiki
Manihiki, a necklace of islands set in the vast blue Pacific and around 1299km from Rarotonga, is the epicentre of the Cook Islands’ pearl industry. It’s also one of the most remote inhabited places on earth

Discover all fifteen beautiful Cook Islands. Breathe in the fresh pure air. Wade into the cool, calm, blue lagoons. Let the untouched charm of these beautiful Cook Islands capture your spirit and hold your heart. 

Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today (602) 843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
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(602) 843-5100 
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