Pacific Island Paradises

– 9 – www.paradises.com of geological structures—from the high volcanic peaks of Rarotonga (653 metres) to the raised coral structure (makatea) of Mangaia and Atiu and the coral atoll structures of the Northern Group. The sights The six CICC Churches around Rarotonga are magnificent landmarks built of coral and lime and well worth a visit, particularly on Sunday. Most people attend church and the air is vibrant with their beautiful singing called imene tuki. The ruins of the old Sunday School, built by the missionaries, that have been renovated and are now the Beachcomber Pearl and Art Gallery. In the harbour, remnants of the wreck of the SS Maitai that was sunk in 1916 remain and its main engine still protrudes from the reef. You can trek through the Takuvaine/ Avatiu valleys to see tropical vegetation or visit the Marae 'Arai te Tonga', a stone structure forming the royal court of the reigning ariki (high chief ). It consists of a rectangular platform approximately three metres by two metres, located on the inland road in upper Tupapa. At the end of the platform is the 'investiture pillar'—a large structure of natural, squared basalt standing more than two metres above ground level. Where to stay Rarotonga has a wide and varied selection of accommodation from first- class hotels and resorts, luxury villas and self-catering individual bungalows to backpacker facilities. It is highly recommended that you book your accommodation in advance. Aitutaki has a varied selection of accommodation, similar in quality to Rarotonga. Atiu has a varied but smaller selection of backpacker to mid-range accommodation available. Only basic needs are met on the islands of Mauke, Mitiaro (which recently launched a new homestay operation) and Mangaia. Buildings in the Cook Islands are not permitted by law to be higher than the tallest coconut tree so most accommodation facilities are either single or double storey structures. Camping is strictly prohibited. Visiting more than Rarotonga All major inhabited islands are accessible by air. There are more than three daily flights from Rarotonga to Aitutaki. Flights to Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke and Mitiaro are scheduled many times a week. Atiu is recognised as the third island to visit in the Cook Islands behind Aitutaki and three times a week there is a convenient triangle air route around the three islands of Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Atiu. Air Rarotonga and Air New Zealand also have a code share agreement that allows you to book an international flight direct to and from Aitutaki that can be combined with the triangle route to reduce even more travel time. In Mauke, you can explore the jungle- covered limestone rocks to find the famous 'Maire' plant and organic tropical garden lush with fruit. Discover Mitiaro and its village home-stay and live with a local family in a traditional thatched roof hut. Mitiaro also has large fresh water lakes which is home to an island delicacy the 'Itiki' or fresh water eels. It is ringed with beach coves and underground swimming caves with natural healing properties. Mangaia is dominated with raised limestone coral and has numerous caves that stretch into giant underground caverns. At 18 million plus years it is believed to be one of the oldest in the Pacific. Getting around Rarotonga is only 32 kilometres in — C o o k I s l a n d s —

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