Kia Orana! Welcome to the Cook Islands!

Does waking up to the sound of waves with the view of a stunning beach outside the window sound like your dream holiday? Then do not wait any longer and come to this amazing piece of heaven which is the best kept secret of the Pacific Ocean!

The Cook Islands are located in the middle of the Polynesian Triangle and comprise a total of 15 islands in the centre of the South Pacific Ocean as can be seen on our Cook Islands map. The Kingdom of Tonga and the Samoas lie to the west of the islands and to the east lie Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia. The Cook Islands have a population of approximately 19,000 spread out over an area the size of India. These Polynesians are friendly and unique, and have their own government and language. There are significant differences between each island, which enjoys its own vigorous and diverse cultures. In spite of the capital island Rarotonga being visited by over 90,000 tourists per annum, the Cook Islands are largely untouched by tourism. Each island has distinctive characteristics and offers the tourist a unique experience. It is ideal for tourists who are on the look out for things to see and do more than the usual clichéd ‘South Seas experience'. Here there is very little hype with no high rise hotels in the Cook Islands and just four beach buggies.

The Cook Islands have it all whether it is romance you seek or a bit of adventure or a family holiday. The stunning beaches, bluish green lagoons, swaying palm trees and friendly locals will definitely captivate you. There is also a wide variety of good quality places to stay in Cook Islands which is available to suit all budgets and tastes.

The Cook Islands with the help of Turama Pacific Travel Group - your local MPO - in their continual quest to preserve the destination have achieved the prestigious Green Globe Benchmarked bronze status under the Green Globe Earthcheck Benchmarking programme managed by EC3 Global. The programme recognises Turama's commitment to operating at the world's highest environmental standard.

The culture of the Cook Islands is defined by the arrival of the Polynesians around 800 AD. Continuing the Polynesian tradition of sea bound exploration and migration, these people set sail from Tupua'i, now in French Polynesia. According to legend, the great Maori migrations to New Zealand from Rarotonga began as early as the fifth century AD.

The first written history of the Cooks started in 1595 when the Spanish voyager Alvaro de Mendana saw the island of Pukapuka. With the second sighting of Pukapuka in 1764, the British arrived here more than 150 years later. Consequently, the notorious Captain Bligh landed on Aitutaki in 1798 in his ship, the HMS Bounty.

The first Christian missionaries arrived here in 1821. The arrival of Christianity changed many aspects of the traditional way of life on the island. Although the influence of Christianity spread rapidly throughout the islands, the people here have been successful in preserving their Polynesian heritage along with their Christian faith. Although exhibits on the history of Cook Islands are on display at the local museums, the culture is not restricted to these walls or to the restored sites. In fact, Polynesian identity resonates in the daily lives of the people. It is evident in the many art galleries that exhibit the work of local artists, found around the island of Rarotonga. The culture also exudes in the form of dance and drama, which take place at a variety of events through the year. It is a time to restore the warrior's might and the dancer's grace. Carvings that adorn buildings and homes, the soulful hymns of the Sunday choir, the songs and music of the Kaparima and pride in traditional arts and crafts all reflect the Polynesian culture.

The art, skill and grace demonstrated by means of song and dance, in particular a traditional dance known as the Ura, are the most characteristic features of the Cook Islands and leave an enduring impression on tourists. The dancers relate a story with their body movements which match the words of the song, unlike their Western counterparts. The dancing is accompanied by extremely rhythmic drumming. Dancing is practised from an early age and taken seriously, and each island has its own distinctive dances and songs.

Some of the best Polynesian dancers and singers are found in the Cook Islands. Several contests through the year bring out the competitive spirit of the islanders and international awards won regularly are a tribute to this exceptional talent.

Tourists can witness a unique Cook Islands experience at concerts, hotels and restaurants. String bands use a combination of modern electronic equipment with traditional ukuleles made of coconut shells to enthral the audience.

Some festivals celebrated here have a historical or cultural significance. A good time to be in the Cook Islands is during the festival of 'Te Maeva Nui' held each year in the month of July. This is one of the largest and most important festivals for the islanders, which celebrates the nation's self-governance. People from all the islands are involved in the festivities which include parades with colourful floats, choir singing and drumming, dancing competitions, sports events and so on.

‘Te Mire Kapa' or ‘Dancer of the Year' Competition is an outstanding event to see, attracting many viewers. Everyone including boys, girls, women and men participate in several dance contests during the month of April. The finals take place in late April or early May.

‘Nuku' or Cook Islands ‘Gospel Day' is celebrated in the month of October. This commemorates the arrival of the missionaries to the islands and several religious groups from all the islands get together to perform dramas or plays.

The Rarotonga International Triathlon and the Round Rarotonga Road Race attract participants from around the world and visitors too are encouraged to take part. Several other sport competitions take place throughout the year.