Pacific Island Paradises

– 10 – www.paradises.com — C o o k I s l a n d s — circumference. One main road encircles the entire island, making it fairly easy to get around. Cook's Buses, the local bus service, offers great public transport operating around Rarotonga in both directions, on regular day and evening schedules. The 'clockwise' or 'anticlockwise' bus will pick you up and set you down anywhere on request. Vehicles are driven on the left hand side of the road. The motor scooter speed limit is 40kmph. Safety helmets are highly recommended for both drivers and passengers. The maximum road speed is 40kmph in town and villages and 50kmph outside of built up areas. It is a serious criminal offence to drive while under the inf luence of alcohol. Drivers of all types of vehicles are required to have either a current international license or a Cook Islands driver's license which can be obtained from the Police station in downtown Avarua at a cost of $20 annually. Food and entertainment Nightspots and bars will, on occasion, have live entertainment. A highlight of the Cook Islands is the Polynesian feast, umukai, prepared in the traditional style with foods such as ika mata (marinated fish with coconut sauce), eke (octopus), taro (tuba vegetable), rukau (cooked taro leaves similar to spinach), and kumara (sweet potato). An umukai is usually part of an Island Night Show featured at major hotels. The delectable buffet and traditional dancing is all part of the culture of the Cook Islands and you can also experience this at the Highland Paradise and Te Vara Nui cultural attractions. Night Life tours showcasing the best night spots are run throughout the week and it is best to book in advance to avoid disappointment'. Wining and dining in Rarotonga is a treat with many excellent restaurants offering local and international cuisine in some very romantic locations. Activities and shopping guide There is a variety of activities on offer to suit any traveller relaxing lagoon cruises on two of the world's most beautiful lagoons, Muri Lagoon on Rarotonga and the world famous Aitutaki Lagoon. Popular pastimes include sailing, windsurfing, stand up paddle boarding, snorkelling and scuba diving. Boats are available for charter for deep-sea and game fishing. Shops are open 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to noon on Saturdays. On Saturday mornings the popular local market place, Punanga Nui, in downtown Avarua offers a range of tropical delicacies and local craft items. Climate and clothing Warm and sunny all year round. Rainy season is December to March. Average summer temperature is 26oC. Casual brief swimwear should be kept for beaches or poolside. Nude and topless sunbathing is unacceptable. Time zone GMT – 10 hours or 20 hours behind AEST. Electricity 240 volts DC/50 cycles. Some hotels/ motels have provision for 110 volt AC electric shavers. Currency The NZ dollar, supplemented by local coinage (not negotiable outside the Cook Islands). The dollar coin bearing the symbol of the traditional god, Tangaroa, is popular with coin collectors, as is the $3 note. There are ATMs located on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. EFTPOS is available. Tipping is not customary but is appreciated.

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