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  • Situated at the very centre of Polynesia,

  • the Cook Islands is an archipelago nation comprised of 15 islands.

  • It is spread across an area in the South Pacific,

  • three times the size of Texas.

  • Supremely beautiful, with pristine white sands fringed by coconut palms,

  • the Cook Islands possesses a castaway island magic

  • and yet is only a four hour flight from New Zealand.

  • According to legend, these tiny islands,

  • dotted amongst the vast ocean,

  • were discovered thousands of years ago by the very finest Polynesian seafarers.

  • Guided by the stars and using other sophisticated navigation techniques,

  • they landed their legendary double hulled Vakas and set about creating paradise.

  • When Missionaries arrived in the 19th century,

  • they tried to ban the locals from what they considered to be ungodly traditions of singing,

  • dancing and drumming.

  • Far from being weakened,

  • the powerful beat of Polynesian culture,

  • with its intimate connection to nature was blended with a deep Christian faith.

  • Today, the Cook Islands moves to a generous and gentle rhythm.

  • It is a rhythm youll feel as soon as you touch down in Rarotonga,

  • the largest island in the group.

  • You could easily drive around this sparkling island in half an hour if you hurry,

  • but that’s the charm of the Cook Islands…..

  • no one does.

  • Instead, slowly get lost amongst the pure white coral sand beaches

  • considered by many to be the most beautiful in the south pacific.

  • The island is ringed by a reef,

  • creating a series of lagoons many of which are perfect for swimming,

  • boating and snorkelling.

  • Take a safari tour inland where mountain trails criss-cross

  • the volcanic centre

  • and enjoy fresh tropical fruits

  • like guava

  • and jackfruit.

  • Learn to open a coconut like the locals

  • or enjoy a locally brewed beer at the Matutu Brewery.

  • There is a saying in the Cook Islands,

  • Kiriti maro tai,”

  • which means there's no such thing as a stranger.

  • Experience true Cook Islands hospitality at a progressive dinner,

  • where youll be welcomed with a new course at three different island homes.

  • Experience the magic of many different generations living under one roof,

  • be serenaded by ukuleles and guitars and try Ika Mata,

  • a local delicacy.

  • Another place youll be welcomed like family is in Church,

  • where youll find almost the entire population of the islands on Sunday mornings.

  • Early missionaries taught English hymns to the locals,

  • who blended the words into their own style,

  • creating a rhythm that sweeps up to the church rafters.

  • Just a 45 minute flight north of Rarotonga is tiny Aitutaki,

  • perhaps the most beautiful of all the islands.

  • Legend has it that this island was settled by a famous seafaring warrior name Ru.

  • Visit O’out beach, the tranquil lagoon where he is said to have stepped ashore.

  • Discover more island history on a cruise,

  • where the Aitutakian love of song,

  • dance and storytelling takes centre stage.

  • Snorkel in crystal clear waters amongst tropical fish

  • and untouched coral reefs and explore smaller,

  • deserted islands and atolls.

  • Like many other polynesian countries,

  • the Cook Islands is known for delicate handicrafts

  • that have been an integral part of the culture for centuries.

  • Specialist stores throughout the islands offer fine jewellery

  • made from local black pearls prized for their quality and lustre.

  • Or, visit a vibrant local market,

  • such as the Aitutaki Markets to purchase beautiful hand painted and screen printed silks and sarongs.

  • A little further afield is Atiu,

  • also known as Enuamanu which means

  • Island of Birds.”

  • This volcanic island rewards adventurers with beautiful secluded coves

  • and white sand beaches.

  • Hike through untouched tropical rainforests and explore the Anatakitaki Caves

  • as you try to spot the Kopeka

  • a rare bird that navigates using echoes.

  • Another unique offering of Atiu is the fragrant,

  • locally grown coffee,

  • which has been grown on Atiu since it was introduced by early missionaries.

  • Don’t leave this special island without a visit to the Rimau Burial Cave.

  • It is easy to imagine the ritual drum beats

  • that helped lay to rest the spirits of the fearsome Polynesian warriors

  • who are believed to lie here.

  • It has been almost 250 years since Captain Cook became

  • the first European to discover these islands

  • and yet there is a gentle timelessness that endures here.

  • So, come and discover the generous rhythm

  • and warm hospitality of the Cook Islands for yourself.

Situated at the very centre of Polynesia,

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