Lonely Planet Rarotonga, Samoa & Tonga

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• Publisher: Lonely Planet
• Year: 2016
• Print ISBN: 9781786572172
• eBook ISBN: 9781786577313

Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet Rarotonga, Samoa & Tonga is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Surf the swells around the southern coastlines, hike the challenging Cross-Island Track, or check out Tonga's 'Stonehenge of the Pacific' -all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Rarotonga, Samoa and Tonga and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet Rarotonga, Samoa & Tonga Travel Guide: Colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience -history, etiquette, lifestyle, sport, arts, architecture, literature, music, dance, craft, tattooing, environment, geography, ecology, religion, myths & legends, cuisine, politics Over 30 colour maps Covers Raratonga, Aitutaki, 'Atiu, Mangaia, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Nuku'alofa, Ha'apai Group, Vava'u Group, Ma'uke and more The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Rarotonga, Samoa & Tonga, our most comprehensive guide to Rarotonga, Samoa and Tonga, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled. Looking for more coverage? Check out Lonely Planet South Pacific guide for a comprehensive look at what the whole region has to offer. Authors: Written and researched by Lonely Planet. About Lonely Planet: Since 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel media company with guidebooks to every destination, an award-winning website, mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travellers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves. eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience Seamlessly flip between pages Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash Embedded links to recommendations' websites Zoom-in maps and images Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.

Rarotonga & the Cook Islands

Rarotonga & Cook Islands Highlights

Rarotonga

Avarua & Around

Around the Island

Aitutaki

Palmerston

Atiu

Mauke

Mitiaro

Mangaia

Northern Group

Manihiki

Rakahanga

Penrhyn

Pukapuka

Suwarrow

Understand Rarotonga & The Cook Islands

Rarotonga & the Cook Islands Today

History

The Culture

Arts

Environment

Survival Guide

Rarotonga & the Cook Islands

%682 / Pop 12,000

Why Go?

Fifteen droplets of land cast across 2 million sq km of wild Pacific blue, the Cook Islands are simultaneously remote and accessible, modern and traditional.

With a strong cafe culture, a burgeoning organic and artisan food scene, and a handful of bar and clubs, Rarotonga lives confidently in the 21st century. But beyond the island’s tourist buzz and contemporary appearance is a robust culture, firmly anchored by traditional Polynesian values and steeped in oral history.

North of ‘Raro’, the sublime lagoon of Aitutaki is ringed with tiny deserted islands and is one of the Pacific’s most improbably scenic jewels. Venture further and robust Polynesian traditions emerge nearer the surface. Drink home brew at a traditional ‘Atiuan tumunu (bush-beer drinking club), explore the ancient makatea (raised coral cliffs) and taro fields of Mangaia, or swim in the underground cave pools of Mitiaro and Ma’uke. The remote Northern Group is a South Seas idyll experienced by a lucky few.

When to Go

AMar–Apr The end of cyclone season usually brings clear, sunny days.

AAug Celebrate the nation’s 1965 declaration of independence at the annual Te Maire Nui Festival.

ASep–Oct Look forward to warmer temperatures and reduced humidity.

Best Places to Stay

A Sea Change

A Ikurangi Eco Retreat

A Beach Place

A Etu Moana

A ...

Table of contents

• Table of Contents
• Welcome to Rarotonga, Samoa & Tonga
• Rarotonga, Samoa & Tongas Top 15
• Need to Know
• If You Like
• Month by Month
• Itineraries
• Which Island?
• Outdoor Adventures
• Travel with Children
• Regions at a Glance
• Rarotonga & the Cook Islands
• Samoa
• American Samoa
• Tonga
• Understand Rarotonga, Samoa & Tonga
• Rarotonga, Samoa & Tonga Today
• History
• Culture, Religion & Tradition
• Myths & Legends
• The Arts
• Food & Drink
• Transport
• Health
• Language
• Behind the Scenes
• Our Writers