“Live Differently” in the Cook Islands

Fifteen glorious islands spread over 2 million sq. km in the vast Pacific Ocean are just two meals and two movies away from Australia, said Mereana Taruia, Australian Manager, Cook Island Tourism Corporation, during her opening remarks to 187 agents and tour operators invited to the annual Cook Islands Live Differently Roadshow 2007 in Sydney last week.

The informative product update evening held at the Swissotel Sydney on Wednesday night under the ‘Live Differently’ banner – the brand launched at the roadshow in Sydney last year – involved 17 trade industry members who came from the Cooks Islands representing nine different accommodation groups or hotels.

Mereana Taruia, Australian Manager, Cook Island Tourism Corporation, [Pictured right] led the roadshow delegation to five mainland capitals with the message that the islands offer even better value for money for Australian travellers. 

None of these are chain hotels, said Ms Taruia who went on to highlight other factors that have contributed to making the Cook Islands a preferred Pacific destination for Australians.

For instance, a 31 day visa is issued on arrival and the New Zealand Dollar is used throughout the country.  With the favourable rate of exchange the islands are a real value for money destination.  As well, there are no snakes, no tipping, no traffic lights and no high rise buildings, she added.

As an added bonus it only takes three days to getting a wedding license.  And once the ceremony is complete the perfect honeymoon destination is at your doorstep, she said.

International air access from Australia is with Air New Zealand which has six flights a week ex Auckland and Virgin Blue/Pacific Blue which has two flights a week ex Brisbane via Auckland to Rarotonga.

Making its appearance for the first time on the annual Cook Islands Roadshow circuit – now in its 10th year – was the Kia Orana Group, a collection of five properties under the same management, that offer affordable accommodation from backpacker standard to comfortable 3 star lodging. 

Concerted efforts are also being made to introduce visitors to island wonders beyond Rarotonga and Aitutaki, the two most popular and developed islands in the nation, said Ms Taruia.

Located 50 minutes by air to the northeast of Rarotonga, Atiu is the third largest isle in the group and the newest destination in the Cook Islands, said Roger Malcolm, Managing Director, Atiu Villas.

Six well appointed and attractive villas constructed of native timbers have been built on this raised fossilised coral island noted for its birdlife and caves. 

Atiu is a small volcanic island with central elevated flat-topped mass of volcanic rock surrounded by a raised coral limestone reef called a makatea.

The makatea extending around this 20 km in circumference island ranges in width from between 50 to 100 metres. Low cliffs, 3 to 6 metres high surround the island but there are many recesses in which small sandy coves are found.  They are the perfect places for intimate picnic interludes.

Atiu is emerging as a prime ecotourism destination with many opportunities to explore the rainforest and see endangered wildlife.  “It’s like ‘Jurassic Park’ but without the dinosaurs,” said Mr Malcolm.

A consortium of accommodation operators including the Atiu Villas and the Are Tamanu Beach Village on Aitutaki and the Aroa Beachside Inn and the Puaikura Lodges on Rarotonga have devised a “3-Island Holiday” programme in conjunction with domestic carrier, Air Rarotonga, enabling visitors to see three very different aspects of the Cook Islands.

Roger Malcolm, Managing Director, Atiu Villas, [Pictured right] believes that the island will appeal to Australians looking for soft adventure opportunities as well as a chance to relax in a quiet environment.

The Cook Islands Live Differently Roadshow 2007 which was in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne earlier this week concludes tonight in Adelaide at the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel.

Exclusive Report by Thomas E. King, TravelMole’s Travel & Lifestyle Editor