The Cook Islands consist of 15 islands scattered over some 2 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean (see map). They lie in the centre of the Polynesian Triangle, flanked to the west by the Kingdom of Tonga and the Samoas and to the east by Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia.

Our culture stems from the Polynesian arrival in the islands around 800AD. This was part of the great Polynesian migration. In the 11th century a famous chief named Toi built the first inland coral road in Rarotonga, called the Ara Metua. Nearly two centuries later the chiefs, Karika, from Samoa, and Tangiia Nui, from Tahiti, joined forces at sea to conquer the earlier inhabitants.

The Cook Islands culture lives on in the vibrant performance of song and dance. Cook Islanders are considered among the finest Polynesian singers and dancers and awards come often in international contests. Unlike most Western dancers, Polynesians tell a story with their bodies that matches the words of the song. Cook Islands dancing is fast, frenzied and erotic, with hip swinging and suggestive gestures.

When in the Cook Islands as a visitor, it appears that time stands still and the whole country exists just for your pleasure, with welcome smiles, warm eyes, and a friendly sense of humour. Lose track of time, you won't even know what day it is! So leave your energies on relaxing and soaking up the tropical lifestyle in the midst swaying coconut trees and balmy sea breezes.

The Cook Islands offers you a diverse range of visitor experiences in a setting that rivals many of the better known and more mature tourist destinations. What differentiates Rarotonga from many other places, however, is that it is compact and all activities and attractions are within easy reach of everyone, regardless of their choice of accommodation style.