Cook Islands

For divers, the outer reefs surrounding Rarotonga and Aitutaki are remarkable places boasting 30 metres plus year-round visibility. Some of the best experiences include suggestive canyons, caves, long tunnels, towering drop-offs (some of them up to 4,000 metres), swim-through under and through coral reefs and shipwrecks such as the Alexander. Dive Rarotonga:

If you are in the mood for an exhilarating day’s outing just beyond the reef, then go fishing! Charter operators provide all the gear necessary for every type of fishing, including saltwater fly or sport and light tackle. Marlin Queen Fishing Charters:

Away from the water’s edge there are some fabulous walking tracks and attractions: on Rarotonga, for example, visit the Highland Paradise and Black Rock, a spiritual place for the islanders. With Pa's Treks Day Tours you can either take the "cross islands trek" where you will cross the island of Rarotonga or "Pa's nature walk (Eco Tour)" which is more gentle and where you will learn about the nature and biology of the plants in an entertaining way.

On Atiu, have a look at the majestic limestone caves that have also been used for burials! Remember to take with you a torch, sturdy walking shoes and learn the legend of the lovers Inutoto and Tangaroa and their association with Anatakitaki Cave, which is spectacularly adorned with stalagmites, stalactites and also home to the Kopeka bird. Visit Raka’s Cave with its fifteen different chambers and let your guide tell you about the many generations of the Rakanui family who have lived and died in this magnificent hideaway!

Atiu, in the northeast area, is the third largest island in the group and is well-known to bird watchers and naturalists as a fascinating destination. The Makatea, a central elevated flat-topped mass of volcanic rock surrounded by a raised coral limestone reef is one of its best-known features.

Festivals and dancing plays an important part of life for the people of the Cook Islands. For example, the traditional Ura, a Maori sacred ritual is very popular dance here. Visitors who are fortunate enough to be around, are encouraged to join the celebrations and live a priceless experience because of the deep cultural and historical significance. The Te Maeva Nui celebration, one of the most important and largest festivals held each year around the national day of 4th August, brings all the people from all the islands together to rejoice the nation’s self-governance. There are colourful floats, singing, dancing, drumming and feasting.

A holiday should definitely be the occasion to relax and forget about everyday-life, but also a chance to get to know something more about the culture of the land you´re visiting! At Te Vara Nui you could take a tour of the village discovering its history and then enjoy a night here with a mouth-watering buffet and amazing entertainers performing traditional dances!

In the Avarua district of Rarotonga, it is possible to see (even just from the shore) the sunken wreck of the SS Matai that was carrying a load of cars from the United States to New Zealand in 1916. It is now one of the preferred spots for divers and truly a unique attraction! PADI Dive Center and Adventure Tour Operator Adventure Cook Islands:

Outdoor market that offers local produce, fresh vegetables, colourful fruit, clothes, black pearls, several craft items and island music. Everything here is unique and reasonably priced, so take your time to find the hidden gems in each stall!