If you like to go on vacation to islands, you cannot miss the Cook Islands . In reality, it is a little known destination and it is not usually part of the organized trips or circuits that can be hired in the main travel agencies. However, it is worth making the effort to get to know these islands, which are characterized by their great beauty and for being a paradise to enjoy the tranquility, sunny days and beach and also some sports activities. And, if you like nature and animal species, the Cook Islands are also an excellent destination for you.
Where are they?
As we have mentioned, the Cook Islands are not well known, despite the fact that tourism is their main source of income and it is estimated that they receive around 90,000 visitors a year. In fact, many people don’t even know where they are. Well, they are halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii .
The Cook Islands are a set of 15 islands , which are distributed between the North and the South. For example, the Southern Cook Islands are on Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Manuae, Mauke, Mitiaro, Palmerston Island, Takutea and Rarotonga, which is the main one and includes the capital.
But, in addition, there are also the Northern Cook Islands . In this case, we have to talk about Manihiki, Nassau, Penrhyn Island –it is also known as Tongareva or Mangorongaro-, Pupapuka, Rakahanga, and Suwarrow, also called Suvorov.
All of them have in common a tropical climate –it is better to visit them in spring to avoid the rains-, and some idyllic landscapes to carry out different activities on their crystalline beaches or to visit and observe their exotic landscapes , which dazzle.
How do you get there?
Apparently a somewhat remote place, it is easy to think that they are difficult to access. But it’s not like that. In fact, there are flights through different companies , which are usually the ones that operate flights to Australia or New Zealand . Precisely, the most frequent route departs from Auckland.
What can be done?
One of the best options in the Cook Islands is to enjoy days of sun and beach, but you can also do water activities. One of the most indicated is snorkeling because the waters are crystal clear -some days you can see it at a depth of 60 meters-, and it is possible to see many marine species such as butterfly fish, angelfish or parrotfish, as well as coral reefs. . If you like this activity, the most suitable area is Aitutaki Island.
And, of course, you can also take boat trips to visit the different coasts of the different islands and see the differences between them. If you like sailing, you cannot miss at least one trip in a vaka , which is a traditional boat in the area.
If you prefer to experience adventure, the Cook Islands are also your ideal destination. And it is that its landscapes are exotic, you can enjoy the jungle – curiously there are no snakes or other animals such as spiders-, apart from seeing the different colors of its vegetation as a result of the volcanic character of the earth. Obviously, on this tour through nature you can see fruit trees with their fruits such as tropical pineapple, lemon or coconut.
You cannot leave the Cook Islands without traveling the Cross Island Track, which is a path that leads through a terrain that leads to the Needle, which is a unique and beautiful rock formation.
Meal
Obviously, having a tropical climate and the presence of many fruit trees , it is essential to try its fruits. But there are also other typical products that should be tried such as their craft beer , which is usually made from bananas, oranges and hops. Without a doubt, one more reason to head to this unknown paradise.