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Introduction
The Cook islands (Cook Islands in English) are an archipelago of the Polynesia. Politically, it is a free state in association with New Zealand. It is made up of 15 islands spread over an area of 12 million square kilometers in the South Pacific.
Understand
History
Named after Captain Cook, who saw them in 1770, the islands became a British protectorate in 1888. In 1900, administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965 the residents elected self-government in free association with New Zealand. New Zealand handles defense, foreign affairs (including passports) and foreign exchange; otherwise, the islands are autonomous. This includes immigration, which is strictly controlled, even for New Zealanders outside of Cook Island.
Population
Many Cook Islanders will tell you how there are more Cook Islanders living in New Zealand and Australia than in the Cook Islands. The population of the Cook Islands is less than 15,000, but there are more than 50,000 Cook Islanders living in New Zealand and more than 30,000 in Australia. The remainder have often spent time in Auckland, Melbourne or Sydney before returning home.
Weather
The climate is tropical, moderated by the trade winds. Rarotonga has average maximum temperatures of 25 ° C in winter (May-October) and 29 ° C in summer (November-April); Temperatures in the northern islands are several degrees higher. Most of the rain falls in the summer, usually in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. The cyclone season is from November to March, but there is a large cyclone only once every five years or so.
Geography
The Northern Cook Islands are seven low and sparsely populated coral atolls. The Southern Cook Islands consist of eight elevated, fertile volcanic islands, where most of the population lives.
tourism
Tourist facilities are well developed in Rarotonga and Aitutaki, and information is available. However, you won't see a single promotion, and tourist scams are unheard of. If you want to organize something, it is generally not difficult to do, but you will need to make the first move.
Regions
- Southern Cook Islands: coral shallows near the equator. The islands are sparsely inhabited and it is difficult to travel to them.
- Aitutaki
- Atiu
- Mangaia
- Manuae
- Mauke
- Mitiaro
- Palmerston Island
- Rarotonga (capital)
- Takutea
- Northern Cook Islands: Mainly volcanic and mountainous islands, with some atolls. These islands are home to the majority of the population and include the two main destination islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
- Manihiki
- Nassau
- Penrhyn also called Tongareva or Mangarongaro
- Pukapuka
- Rakahanga
- Suwarrow
The fifteen small islands have a combined area of 240 square kilometers.
Culture
A popular art form on the islands is the tivaevae, a form of quilting.
Festivals
- 1 of January New Year
- January 2: Day after New Years
- The Friday before Easter Sunday: Good Friday
- The day after Easter Sunday: Easter Monday
- April 25: ANZAC Day
- First Monday in June: Queen's Birthday
- July: Rarotonga Gospel Day
- August 4: Constitution Day
- October 26: Gospel Day
- 25th December, Christmas
- December 26: Boxing Day
Weather
Tropical moderated by winds
Time zone: UTC − 10: 00
Electricity: 240 volts / 50 hertz (AS / NZS 3112)
Talk
The official languages are English and Maori. There are five living languages in the Cook Islands other than English and Cook Islands Maori as official languages. The Maori Cook Islands are often called Rarotongan after the capital island and is the most widely spoken version of the Maori on the islands. Others are Penrhynese, unique on the island of the northern Penrhyn group and rapidly disappearing, and Rakahanga-Manihiki, spoken by some 2,500 Cook Islanders, of whom only half of the two islands from which it takes its name. On the remote island of the northern group of Pukapuka, the islanders have a unique language called Pukapukan of which there is no written version. It's more like Samoan, and some of them may not even be understood by other Cook Islanders. But even there, English is spoken, although not widely. However, children are taught in school. At the very least, the visitor will quickly learn the usual greeting, "kia orana," which means "may you live long."
To get
When you book a flight to the Cook Islands, you must also book your ticket going forward. The Cook Islands issue entry permits, not visas. Upon arrival, a bona fide visitor receives a 31-day entry permit which can be extended up to a maximum of 6 months upon application to the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration. You are not allowed to work if you are in the Cook Islands as a visitor.
Departure tax is included in your departure fee and no tax is paid at the point of departure.
It is best to have pre-arranged accommodation as there are no public areas for camping in the Cook Islands and camping is actively discouraged. Most accommodations will organize airport transfers.
By plane
The archipelago has two ports, Avarua and Avatiu, and six airfields (one with a paved runway). The Rarotonga International Airport (RARIATA) is the main entrance door. There are daily services to Auckland (3.5 hours) and weekly services to Sydney and Los Angeles. The only international airlines currently are Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia. Air New Zealand has codeshare agreements with other Star Alliance members, including United Airlines and Rarotonga is a popular stopover on flights around the world.
See the Rarotonga article for airport details.
Boat
Rarotonga and Aitutaki are regular stops for cruise ships operating from Tahiti. Other cruise companies stop by from time to time.
If you plan to sail to the islands, should enter through one of the five designated ports of entry. These are Rarotonga, Aitutaki, and Atiu in the South group, and Penrhyn and Pukapuka in the North group.
Surroundings
By car
There is only one royal road (actually circular ...) on Rarotonga Island that can be recognized thanks to the name of Ara Tapu , a road partially divides this axis under the name of Ara Metua by serving all locations more accurately. However, the coating is in good condition and is regularly maintained.
Driving is on the left side of the road over the entire territory and the steering wheel is on the right in vehicles.
Speed limits:
- Highway: 60 km / h.
- City: 40 km / h
There are no traffic lights in the archipelago and few pedestrian crossings, sidewalks are rare. Be careful, however, stray animals can cross lanes of traffic and cause serious damage to vehicles.
If you want to drive, it is necessary to obtain a provisional driver's license against the payment of the sum of NZ $ 10 by presenting your regular driver's license and photo ID. A proof can be submitted (pretty simple though ...).
These procedures will be carried out upon arrival at the police station in Avarua.
By bus
There is a regular two-way circular service in the territory.
Rates in force in 2010:
- One way ticket: NZ $ 2.50
- Return ticket: NZ $ 4.00
By plane
The internal service between islands is provided by Air Rarotonga. Although you can book flights through Air New Zealand, it is generally cheaper to book directly with Air Rarotonga. This has become a lot easier in recent years, now that they offer reservations online. Unless you are a member of Air New Zealand's "Airpoints Dollars" program, you will not receive airline miles for Air Rarotonga, and only if you book through Air New Zealand, often at a higher price. Star Alliance mileage for Air Rarotonga is not available.
Most of the outer islands only have unpaved tracks. However, the landing will not be much harder than that of a paved runway. If you've never landed on an unpaved runway before, there's nothing to worry too much about, and you've probably had some harder landings on a paved runway.
By car
There are 187 km of roads, of which only 35 are paved
Boat
The intrepid traveler can visit all the islands inhabited by inter-island freighters, but these can be separated by weeks or worse if you want to get the really remote islands. Details of the services are published in the local newspapers of the islands. In general, there are no scheduled boat or ferry services between the inhabited islands. There are two uninhabited islands: Takutea and Manuae. The only easy way for a visitor to get to Takutea is on the Bounty Bay research ship operated by Rarotonga-based Pacific Expeditions, which has a special permit for occasional eco-tours.
To eat
Don't eat pizza in the Cook Islands before you've tried the local stuff (which is hard to find):
- Ika kills (raw fish) with coconut milk, finely chopped vegetables. It's delicious!
- umu food (prepared in the traditional earth oven)
- eke curry (octopus with coconut curry)
- rukau (taro leaves, usually cooked with coconut cream)
- poke (cooked fruit pudding) (banana, papaya, ...) with coconut milk.
Some of these are available every day in the Avarua market. Every 2 weeks there is a "Go Local" market where locals sell their products.
To drink
There are two microbreweries in the Cook Islands: Matutu Y Cook Islands Brewery, located in Rarotonga, which produce a variety of delicious beers. Imported beers, spirits and wines are available in the main Foodland and CITC Liquor supermarkets, both located in the main city of Avarua. They are expected to pay a higher price. There are several bars and restaurants on Rarotonga and to a lesser extent Aitutaki serving beer, wine, and delicious fresh cocktails. Options are extremely limited on all other outer islands.
Sleep
Most of the outer islands turn off the entire electrical system (blackout) at night. Bring a flashlight (torch) with batteries. See individual islands for lodging listings. Rarotonga and Aitutaki have several types of accommodation to choose from and are serviced 24 hours a day. Deluxe accommodations can cost upwards of $ 600 a night, but comfortable accommodations can be found much cheaper, and backpackers can stay at the Cooks, too.
Security
Typhoon risk from November to March. There are no major risks in the Cook Islands. There is no poisonous wildlife or marine life in the Cook Islands other than sharks in the far north island groups. Crime is rare, but is more likely to occur in the form of petty theft. The police can be contacted at the emergency number 999.
Although the locals often go barefoot (they are experts at it) it is not recommended beyond the sandy beaches due to the sharp coral rocks. Be careful when climbing stairs that connect the lower parts of an island near the sea with the upper part on the cliffs. Some do not have railings on the edge, including platforms. Only the most acrophobic would be uncomfortable with this (they are wide enough and not "open" vertically), but for children, the blind and someone who has had too much to drink, the risk is extreme. On platforms, avoid getting too close to the edge, especially if you need to take a break from climbing.
Motorcycle and scooter accidents have caused injuries and deaths in the past. Driving after dark has additional risks due to poor visibility due to inadequate lighting and the condition of the road. Driving / Riding is especially dangerous on Friday and Saturday nights where drunk driving is prevalent. Always wear a helmet even if the locals don't.
external links
Wikipedia has an article on Cook islands.w: Cook Islands
Wikimedia Commons houses multimedia content about Cook islands. Commons
