The Cook Islands
Located in the South Pacific Ocean (northeast of New Zealand between French Polynesia and American Samoa) the Cook Islands consist of 15 major islands that are divided into two distinct groups: the Southern Cook Islands and the Northern Cook Islands.The Southern Cook Islands are comprised of the following:
- Nga-pu-Toro
- Atiu
- Mauke
- Mitiaro
- Aitutaki
- Mangaia
- Rarotonga
- Palmerston Island
- Manuae
- Takutea
- Winslow Reef (submerged)
The Northern Cook Islands are comprised of:
- Manihiki
- Nassau
- Penrhyn Island
- Pukapuka
- Rakahanga
- Suwarrow
- Tema Reef
The Cook Islands were named after Captain James Cook who arrived in the years 1773 and 1777 when he named them Hervey Islands. The name was changed to honor the British captain’s “discovery” when the name first appeared on a Russian naval chart that was published in the 1820s.With over 90,000 visitors travelling to the islands in 2006, tourism is the country’s number one industry and the leading element of the economy and is a highly coveted destination for SCUBA divers, Marlin fishermen, and those looking for little more than a white-sanded respite in a tropical Pacific oasis.With regard to weather it’s always delightful. You can expect it to be slightlycoolerbetweenJune andAugust, while November to March can be consideredthewarmseason. Brief but heavytropical showers can be expected during the warm season but they never last long so don’t let it spoil your fun. Grab your swimsuit, snorkel gear, sunscreen, and go!