A holiday in the Cook Islands will delight with a slow relaxed pace of life and fantastic beachside activities. The 15 Cook Islands are scattered across the south Pacific over about two million square kilometres, an area the size of India.
The Cooks are highlighted by spirit-lifting beaches, lush green volcanic mountains, flat coral cays and atolls, calm lagoons and some of the most friendly and welcoming people on earth. Outdoor activities abound in this stunning corner of the south Pacific and the seas teem with colourful tropical fish and coral, placing snorkelling and scuba diving high on the activities list.
With a centre of lush green mountains and ringed by palm fringed white sand beaches, Rarotonga is one of the most bewitching Pacific destinations. Exploring the island is a breeze, two roads ring the island and many attractions are accessed by these roads. The commercial centre of the islands is the friendly, bustling town of Avarua, (known to the locals as “Town”). Scooters are the main form of transport, and visitors can pick up a Cook Islands driving licence for about $10 and a brief test to prove their ability to negotiate a roundabout.
Photos can’t convey the breathtaking beauty of Aitutaki, the nearest island to Rarotonga. Warm, crystal clear waters fill a triangular turquoise lagoon. Dotted around it are uninhabited, palm-filled islands bordered by sparkling white sand.
Atiu, third largest is known to locals as the land of the birds, for its diversity of birdlife including some of the world’s rarest species. North West of Atiu is the tiny coral cay of Takutea. It's only six metres above sea level at the highest point and it’s mostly covered in coconut palms.
Rarely visited Manuae was originally named Sandwich Island, but Captain Cook later changed it after giving that name to Hawaii. The second largest island is Mangaia, a volcanic peak fringed by fossilised coral, teeming with plant and animal life. Mitiaro boasts the only freshwater lakes in the Cook Islands.
Cook Islands fun facts
The currency of the Cook Islands is the New Zealand Dollar
The reported population of Cook Islands is 21,000
The Cook Islands use three languages: Maori, English and Pukapukan
Fiji Holiday and Golf
Thursday 19th August 2010
Travel Counsellor: Tony Merlo
In August this year, my wife and I travelled to Fiji for a short break and to explore the recently opened InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa in Natadola Bay on the Coral Coast. Being a keen golfer, I was interested to see from their website that the course was designed by Vijay Singh.
The best package I found was a Lagoon King room with all meals. This offered a buffet breakfast, lunch in a poolside restaurant and a buffet dinner each night - not good if you want to stay slim.
We flew from Brisbane with Virgin as they had the most convenient departure times both from Brisbane and from Nandi for our return. On arrival and after clearing customs, we were met by the InterContinental representative, who transferred us to the resort in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus and provided an interesting guided tour along the way. It was an easy, efficient and enjoyable transfer.
On arrival at the resort we were welcomed at the impressive reception area with a refreshing... view full story
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