Pacific Island Paradises

interesting range 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 Avarua CICC Church is a magnificent landmark 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 National Cultural Centre is an imposing island structure in beautifully kept gardens. Nearby are ruins of the old Sunday School, built by the missionaries, which 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 10 www.paradisesonline.com 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 the island of 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. Getting around Rarotonga is only 32 kilometres in circumference. One main road encircles the entire island, making it fairly easy to get around. Cook's Island Buses, the local bus service, offers great public transport operating around Rarotonga in both directions, on regular day and

• Cover