South Pacific Honeymoons - Cook Islands

The Cook Islands number about fifteen. With a population of about 18,000 inhabitants, it is marked by the warmth and friendliness of the locals. Most of the population (about two-thirds) is concentrated on the main island of Rarotunga. The next most populated island is Aitutaki. The rest of the islands are more sparsely populated with just about a thousand or less residents on each. The Cook Islands are sandwiched between Tahiti and Fiji and are located in the center of the Polynesian triangle between French Polynesia and Tonga.
The islands have a warm, tropical climate. June, July and August can be cool towards evening, and the interiors of Rarotunga often experience sudden heavy showers, but the sun comes out to bathe the coast. November to March is the warmest season, but it can witness hurricanes. But for the most part, the year-round temperature is pleasant, ranging from 23 to 29 degrees Celsius, a good place for an idyllic South Pacific honeymoon.

There is a wide variety of fruit and crops grown on the islands. Some of the features of the islands are…

Rarotunga – a volcanic island offering many attractions like scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, horseback riding and hiking.

Aitutaki –  a middle-aged volcanic island, also popular among tourists. It offers many of the activities that Rarotunga does, but the lagoon tours by boat are far superior.
Atiu, Mangaia, Mitiaro and Mauke are less popular among tourists, but delightful to visit for a honeymoon couple looking for something off the beaten path. The former two have rolling hills but the latter two are flatter. It can prove fascinating to explore for hikers and those on the nature trail.

The currency is the New Zealand dollar and while the native language is Maori, thanks to tourism, English is spoken as well.

Some of the year-round events held on the Cook Islands include…

February - Cultural Festival Week, featuring tivaevae quilt competitions and arts and crafts displays

April - Taemoemo Canoe Races & Rarotonga International Triathlon

June - Maire Maiva Nui Festival, Canoe Regatta, Coconut Festival, displays and competitions

August - Tivaevae Festival - quilt weaving displays, Constitution Festival - This is the major festival of the year, which celebrates its independence with sports, dances, parades, and singing contests, historical and cultural displays.

September - Canoe Regatta: Oe Vaka Singles

October - Tivaevae Exhibition: Traditional, Modern, Local Quilting, Round Raro Road Race (31km marathon)

November - Tiare Week Festival (Floral competitions, beauty pageant, parades) & Food Festival

December – Tiare Week Festival