Lonely Planet Rarotonga, Samoa & Tonga

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

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