This island, also known as the island of birds and legends, is a small volcanic island. It has a plateau mass of volcanic rock which is elevated in the middle of the island. The island is surrounded by an elevated coral limestone reef called a Makatea which varies from 50 to 100 m in width. The island is also surrounded by low cliffs measuring 3 to 6 m in height with many crevasses in which small sandy coves can be found. The barrier reef lies near the shores of Orovaru Beach, where Captain James Cook landed in 1777. The four main villages of Areroa, Tengatangi, Mapumai and Teenui are situated 71 m above sea level on a central plateau.

The best way to explore the island is by using a road which encircles 20 km of the island. Anatakitaki Cave has spectacular stalagmites and stalactites and is also home to the kopeka bird. You can also learn more about the association of the lovers Inutoto and Tangaroa with this cave and their legendary stories. in addition we recommence that you visit the marvellous hideaway of Raka's Cave located inside the island's lush green rainforest. The cave has fifteen different chambers inside it where several generations of the Rakanui family lived and died.

The Takutea Sanctuary, located 16 km northwest of Atiu, houses exotic birds such as the tavake, white capped noddy, great frigate, brown bobby and the kopeka or ‘Atiu swiftlet'. The most well known bird, the kopeka is also one of the most unusual birds, and builds its nest deep inside limestone caves. They permanently live inside these caves and can never be seen outside them. They navigate their way around in the darkness like bats by using sonar. Most birds live in the Makatea Forest on the coast. Other birds to watch out for are the endangered kakerori or ‘Rarotonga flycatcher' and the moo (pronounced maw-aw), which belongs to the New Zealand notornis or ‘pukeko' family. The kakerori has recently been brought to Atiu from Rarotonga due to the predator free atmosphere of the island.

Owing to the reefs there are no surf beaches around and the lagoon beaches are the only places to go swimming. The reefs also help to keep any passing sharks out of the lagoon. The Muri and Aroa Beaches are the best sandy beaches on Rarotonga. The best snorkelling opportunities can be found along the Takitumu, just off the white sands and near Ta'akoka islet at Muri Beach. Tourists to Aitutaki Island must take the lagoon cruise and enjoy a walk along some fine beaches and cays.

The Takitumu Conservation Area is the habitat of the very rare kakerori bird, which was almost extinct. Other native forest birds here include the kingfisher, pigeon, swiftlet, starling, the long tailed cuckoo and the Rarotonga flycatcher. You will also see numerous seabirds here like the noddy, tern and bobby. If you are lucky, you will spot the Blue lorikeet or ‘kuramo'o', which has a white bib and orange legs and an orange beak, on Aitatuki.

The diving opportunities provided by the outer reefs adjoining Rarotonga and Aitutaki are one of the best kept secrets from the diving community at large. You can also find many well qualified diving operators who are willing to give expert advice while planning out your diving activities.

The reefs also provide an excellent opportunity for photography of different types of animals and fish in the ocean. Depending upon the time of year, you will be able to see whales, hammer-head sharks, grey and white-tip reef sharks, green and hawk's bill turtles, game fish and the occasional whale shark. In addition, you can spot all varieties of colourful tropical reef fish, with a few local species thrown in for good measure.

Here you have the added bonus of diving in warm waters with a visibility of more than 30 m (100 ft) all year round. During the cooler months, 3 mm short diving wetsuits provide ample protection for divers and during summers, they have the freedom of diving in a swimsuit.

All diving sites are within reach and you can say goodbye to lengthy boat rides. From the point of launching, they are an easy 15 minute ride away. This means that you get to dive each day in the calmest waters, away from the windy side of the island.

Just beyond the reef, an exciting outing for the day is provided by game and sport fishing. Since there are no lengthy trips to areas where fish are found, the action begins as soon as you leave the harbour.

Mangaia is the second largest island of the Cook Islands and the southernmost. It is located approximately 176 km south east of Rarotonga, 60 m above sea level and with a surface area of 52 sq km. Mangaia is the oldest island in the group and from its rugged coastline to its verdant interiors, it is spectacular with tranquil beauty. This place is so uninhabited that you can trek along the coastline or walk in the interiors without meeting another soul, hearing a passing vehicle or seeing any dwellings. What you do see are plenty of well tended plantations of vegetables, pineapples, ‘taro', ‘kumara' and a variety of other crops. Mangaia is also famous for its ‘ei pupu' or necklaces made of shells.

Mangaia is said to be 19 million years old and is a raised island surrounded by layers of uneven limestone coral called ‘makatea'. In some places, the makatea is as high as 60 m and a kilometre in width. Abundant trees, shrubs and plants grow between the makatea, forming the Makatea Forest which encircles the exterior of the island. A brackish lake formed next to a makatea cliff is connected to a flowing stream in the valley. Teruarere Cave is adorned with impressive stalagmites and stalactites and seems to have an endless series of interconnected chambers. Here lies the final resting place of previous generations, whose remains can still be seen by torchlight.

Mauke lies off the beaten track and offers serenity and seclusion. The three villages of Areora, Ngatiarua and Kimiangatau are located on the western coast of the island. This leaves the arable inland area free for farming activities and growing a variety of food crops. There are many fresh water caves which are located inland and can be accessed easily. The famous Motuanga Cave has galleries reaching beneath the reef and the Vai Tango is located near the village of Ngatiarua.

Tourists should not miss seeing the Oliveta Church at Kamiangatau. This church is built where the villages of Areora and Ngatiarua meet and is a ‘divided' church. It has two separate entrances and seating areas for people from each village. The interior design of the church also reflects two distinct artistic styles. The reason for this is that during the construction of the church, a conflict arose amongst the people of both villages. Another unique feature of this church is that the pulpit railing is inlaid with Chilean dollars.

Mitiaro is well known as the friendliest island. Village life revolves around the Christian Church Betela where tourists can experience the stirring hymns during Sunday Service. Mitiaro has two freshwater lakes, Rotonui and Rotoiti, in its interior. These lakes are full of freshwater eels called ‘itiki' which are a popular dish here and a delicacy on Cook Islands.

This small island measuring 32 sq km is the largest of the Cook Islands! Inside the island, there are spectacular mountains. A reef encircles the island and Muri Lagoon is eye catching. There are some exquisite white sand beaches on the southern part of the island and all of them are open to the general public.

Supposedly constructed a thousand years ago, the Ara Metua is the old central road which meanders through gardens and plantations. There's not much traffic these days, and it will be quite enjoyable to walk or ride a bicycle while on this road. Also, keep a look out for old Polynesian religious sites called ‘marae' on the eastern and northern sides of the island.

‘Avarua' meaning ‘two harbours' is the main town of Rarotonga. It is a charming town which can be explored on foot and it still has the ambience of a colonial trading post. However, you can find almost anything you are looking for here. There are two museums, supermarkets for shopping, banks, pharmacies, cafes for internet access, and even restaurants serving fish and chips. Scooter or car licences can also be obtained at police stations. You can also pick up wonderful souvenirs from Saturday markets, handicraft stores or jewellery shops selling pearls and gemstones. Avarua also has the island's only roundabout!

The National Cultural Centre houses the Are-Karioi-Nui Auditorium, the National Library and the National Museum. Although the library and museum have a smaller collection of items, they are both worth a visit.

Muri Lagoon offers great opportunities for windsurfing, swimming and kayaking. There are four motus or small sandy islets that dot the lagoons off Muri beach and 15 motus in Aitutaki Lagoon. From Muri Lagoon, at low tide you can wade across to the uninhabited motu of Koromiri.

‘Te Rua Manga' or ‘The Needle' standing tall at 413 m is a striking feature right in the middle of Rarotonga. Those who are fit can hike up to this popular and rewarding peak. You can start in the morning and travel north to south.

Vaka Village, near Avana Stream, is the historic spot where canoes departed with the first Maoris to New Zealand. It is a pretty place which overlooks the islet of Motutapu. A stop here may also include a coconut husking demonstration.

Your visit to Cook Islands is incomplete without seeing the beautiful island of Aitutaki. It is located 220 km to the north of Rarotonga and it takes less than an hour's flight from here. The island measures just 20 sq km and is partly volcanic by nature. The spectacular sight of its turquoise blue crystal clear waters and gleaming white sand beaches is an essential part of holidaying in the Cook Islands.

The beautiful Aitatuki Lagoon, measuring 45 sq km, has a profusion of coloured fish of different varieties. The outskirts of the lagoon are dotted by several small, charming and accessible motus. Legend has it that Aitutaki's highest hill, Maungapu was once located on top of Rarotonga's Raemaru Peak. It was brought to Aitatuki by triumphant warriors after a fierce battle.

A cruise down the spectacular Aitatuki Lagoon is a must for any visitor. A three day visit to Aitatuki is warranted to truly appreciate the beauty around and take in the feeling of the warm waters and the soft feel of the sand. It looks as good as the photos and gives a feeling that time has stood still here. The eight villages of Aitatuki indulge in healthy competition amongst themselves in sports and dances.

Muri Lagoon is the most popular place on Rarotonga for sailing, windsurfing and kayaking.

Snorkelling can be done almost anywhere inside the reefs on most islands. The beauty of the turquoise blue lagoon, an abundance of tropical marine life, colourful fish and interesting corals beckon snorkellers.