Known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific', the Cook Islands are 15 islands scattered over a 2 million square kilometer area of the Pacific Ocean. To the West lie Samoa and the Kingdom of Tonga, with Tahiti and French Polynesia located to the East.

The unique location of the Cook Islands in the midst of the Polynesian group gives them a unique blend of the rich cultures of Polynesia. Cook Islanders enjoy a laidback lifestyle and a strong sense of cultural pride and identity. By nature, Cook Islanders are warm and generous people, always sure to greet visitors with a smile and a hearty 'Kia Orana'!

Nomads of the Pacific

Polynesians have a rich history of islandhopping that spans the last 2000 years. With a cultural heritage that has long been intertwined, the Cook Islands enjoy a special relationship with New Zealand.  Cook Islanders have New Zealand passports and can travel freely to New Zealand. While there is a locally elected Parliament, the countries constitution also acknowledges the traditional leaders  - the House of Ariki which consists the countries traditonal chiefs from each of the islands. The Queen of England is recognized as the Head of State, through the Cook Islands' agreement of "free association" with New Zealand, which is a Commonwealth country.

With close to 10,000 inhabitants, Rarotonga is the most populous of the Cook Islands and is the bustling centre of business, government and education. While most people on the island will call themselves Rarotongan, it is not uncommon for them to actually be from another island like Aitutaki or Mangaia. The unique laidback lifestyle on the island is something that visitors will always remember and while there is a bustling tourism industry, life remains the same on Rarotonga, without getting too 'touristy'.

Cultural and sporting festivals are held at various times of the year and locals never miss a chance to celebrate their passion for sport and their rich cultural identity. Festivals such as the School Cultural Festival, Pasifika Festival and the Dancer of the Year Compeition make for an enriching cultural experience not to be missed. For sports fanatics, there are regular rugby tournaments as well as volleyball and triathlon meets.