Rarotonga

The Cook Islands are scattered like tiny jewels over a large stretch of sea between Tahiti and Samoa, lying virtually in the center of the Polynesian Triangle of the South Pacific. The first settlers arrived around the 8th century from the Society Islands, Samoa and the Marquesas, while the first Europeans made contact at the turn of the 16th century. In 1824, a Russian cartographer put the islands on the map, naming them after Captain Cook, who discovered five of the islands in the Southern Group in the 1770s. The natural beauty of Rarotonga, the principal island of the Cook archipelago, is profound and overwhelming. Its forest-covered mountains, deep valleys, fertile slopes of red soil and sparkling aquamarine lagoons make it a likely Eden. The main town and port, Avarua, with a picturesque backdrop of verdant mountains, is easily explored on foot. A fully paved, 23-mile coastal road circles the island, passing through a landscape of small villages, palm and citrus groves and jungle clad mountains. Some of the islands, including Rarotonga, which Cook never saw, were visited by the mutineers of the Bounty in 1789, bringing seeds for the island’s first orange trees. Life in the islands is leisurely and laid back. The population is welcoming and friendly. English is spoken with a New Zealand accent. But the local greeting is kia orana, which is used frequently and with a smile whether you encounter children going to school, island women gathering under a parasol, or farmers working in the fields.

Pier Information

The ship is scheduled to anchor off Rarotonga. Guests will be taken ashore via the ship’s tenders to the jetty at Avarua. The town is within walking distance from the landing pier. Taxis are in limited supply.

Shopping

Local crafts, such as baskets, pandanus hats, mother-of-pearl jewelry and woodcarvings are available at numerous shops in town and around the island. Black pearls are also high on visitors’ shopping lists. The local currency is the New Zealand dollar.

Cuisine

In addition to island cooking, you will find seafood, steaks, Chinese and Italian cuisine in a wide range of restaurants in Avarua. Snack bars serve burgers, fish and chips and cold New Zealand beer.

Other Sites

Cook Islands Church Built in 1841, the structure was made of coral slabs, hewn by hand from the Tioki Reef and hauled ashore by chain. Avarua Market The local market is well worth a visit for its colorful display of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood and fish. Private arrangements for independent sightseeing may be requested through the Tour Office on board.