Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are located in the South Pacific, Polynesia. The 15 islands are a self-governing state entity associated with New Zealand. In the south there are coral atolls, and in the north there are islands of volcanic origin.

Language.

English and Cook.

 

 

 

Time.

The time difference between Moscow (Russia) and Avarois (Cook Islands) is two hours.

 

Population.

17,459 people (2016).

Ethnic composition: Maori, foreigners, children from mixed marriage unions of foreigners with Maori.

 

Religion.

Most of the inhabitants (56%) are Protestants, believers of the Christian Church of the Cook Islands, 16-17% are Catholic, 8% are Seventh-day Adventist, 2% are Jehovah’s Witnesses.

 

 

 

Climate.

Tropical, marine, trade wind. The average annual air temperature is approximately the same year-round. The average air temperature in January (summer) from + 26 C to + 29 C., in July (winter) from + 24 C to + 26 C.

Precipitation: 600-800 mm per year. Cyclones are possible from November to March.

 

Currency.

New Zealand dollar, Cook Islands dollar.

 

 

Visa regime.

Russians do not need a visa to enter the islands if the period of travel is less than 31 days.

 

Customs regulations.

You can import and export any currency without restrictions. It is prohibited to import narcotic substances, ammunition, weapons, products, plants.

You can not export corals and souvenirs from them and shells, leather, feathers, bird bones. It is forbidden to import plants and animals protected by the state.

When leaving the country by plane, tax is required.

 

Resorts.

The main attractions on the islands: pristine and deserted beaches near the warm ocean: Samade, Hanimun, Uan Foot, Muri, Lagun Resort. Beach rest can be perfectly alternated with water sports: diving, snorkeling, yachting, kayaking, surfing, etc. Tourists will be invited to a fascinating sea fishing canoeing. In the area of Manihika, you can try to get a resolution for the extraction of pearls.

History lovers will be interested in ancient island settlements: Areora, Ngatiarua, Arorangi, Kimiangatau, where you can get to know the traditions and life of local residents.

Natural attractions: Anatakitaki Caves (in the center of Atiu Island), Wigmore Falls (south of Rarotong Island), Motuanga Cave (on Mauke Island).

 

 

 

 

Kitchen.

Local cuisine is based on fish and seafood prepared in a variety of sauces and with the addition of spices. Meat used to be considered a rare and expensive food, it could be on the table only on holidays, now the situation is gradually changing, and meat dishes appear on the tables of islanders more often.

The archipelago prepares fish salads, white crabs are sometimes served raw with citrus juice and roasted in hibiscus leaves. Moana-roa-mahimahi is a white fish fillet that is fried with spices and colocasia. "Matu-rori" - trepang with lemon and green banana and other dishes. Colocasia and fried green bananas are a common side dish.

The fruits of the bread tree are eaten raw, grinded in mashed potatoes, added as a snack or side dish to other dishes.

For dessert, fresh fruits are served: oranges, mangoes, pineapples, bananas, papayas, melons, peaches, fruit salads from them are in demand. From coconuts and coconut milk, sweets, cocktails, snacks are prepared.

Local alcohol: "Tumunu" - a cocktail of sugar, yeast, citrus and Polynesian drink - tonic "kava-kava".

 

Traditions.

The islanders consider themselves Polynesians, and carefully protect their culture and national identity. The language of the locals is singing, with an abundance of vowels, and is usually difficult to perceive by Europeans.

February is the time of the Cultural Festival: the islanders show their skills and talents in various crafts, such as weaving blankets and blankets. In April, Rorotonga hosts a music and dance festival, when the inhabitants of the Cook Islands compete in the most incendiary dances (the islanders are considered the best dancers of Oceania).

Independence Day is considered the main holiday in the archipelago (it is celebrated on the closest Friday to March 4). The celebrations are held on a large scale: cultural, sports events and reconstructions of historical events.

Members of the same family and generations of the same family often live in one village. Elderly people are respected and respected, children on the islands are adored. Women are in the household and men are in the household.

The islands are one of the safest countries in the region. However, tourists should not openly demonstrate their well-being and, for example, show jewelry; single tourists will feel the attention of men. It should be remembered that on the islands it is not customary to bargain or leave a tip.

 

Photo: lostaholics