The Cook Islands have become my favorite stopover for American travelers seeking to break up the cross-Pacific flight  -- especially if traveling to New Zealand.  Why?  It is more unspoiled than the more well-known Pacific islands and less expensive. It’s also a wonderful destination, even if you are not going on to Australia or NZ!

There are many islands, but two are well set-up for international tourists. Tiny Aitutaki is a dream – an atoll with a huge lagoon.  Spend an unforgettable day snorkeling here!   Rent a bike and pedal around the island.  For a true “get away from the rush of life,” you cannot beat Aitutaki!

Rarotonga, the largest, is so small you can drive around the entire island in an hour – unless you are tempted to stop and swim at dozens of beautiful beaches!  The interior features one tall mountain (great for climbing or a 4WD adventure).  And between the foothills and the beach, the islanders’ homes are surrounded by their farms.  One of the main “tourist attractions” is to visit an island church on Sunday.  If there is more wonderful congregational singing on this earth, I’ve yet to hear it!  As for shopping, you can buy black pearls in a jewelry store, or shop at the Saturday market like these people did.

Karolyn Wrightson
South Pacific Destination Specialist  ●  Premiere Aussie Specialist  ●  Kiwi Specialist  ●  Queensland Specialist  ●  Victoria/Melbourne Specialist  ●  Outback Specialist  ●  Matai (Fiji) Specialist  ●  Tasmania Specialist  ●  Cook Islands Specialist  ●  New South Wales Specialist  ●  South Australia Specialist  ●  Recommended by National Geographic Traveler in 2004