Top 10 Interesting Facts about the Cook Islands
Posted by Maris on 3rd Jan 2024
Travelers may enjoy many breathtaking beaches and must-see sights while on vacation in the Cook Islands.
But you may have many questions about this South Pacific treasure before you board the plane. What is the location of the Cook Islands, you might ask? or "What is the Cook Islands' official currency?"
Here, we have the answers to these queries! Before you visit the Pacific island of your dreams, we've compiled a list of interesting facts about the Cook Islands.
In the South Pacific, you'll find the Cook Islands.
Situated midway between New Zealand and Hawaii in the Oceania region is this picturesque resort. It crosses the South Pacific Ocean to cover an area of more than two million square kilometers, or 770,000 square miles. It's nearly as large as Greenland!
How much time would it take you to get to this archipelago? From New Zealand it takes about four hours, while from Australia it takes about six hours.
There are more than fifteen islands and atolls in it.
The Northern Islands and the Southern Islands are the two regions that make up the Cook Islands. Beautiful coral atolls can be found in the north, while there are numerous volcanic islands in the south.
Rarotonga is the main island, and it is where most people live. The remaining northern islands are still deserted in the meanwhile. When you travel to the Northern Islands, you can anticipate stunning scenery and shimmering oceans.
At Avarua is the capital.
Avarua, on Rarotonga island's mainland, is home to the Cook Islands capital. There are numerous Cook Islanders living in this area, which is more than 28 square kilometers.
Discover the history and culture of the Cook Islands right in the middle of the capital. Learn about amazing historical artifacts, such Cook Island natives' handcrafted items.
Compared to the main island, more Cook Islanders reside abroad.
One of the most well-liked tourism locations in the world is the Cook Islands. However, did you know that a greater number of Cook Islanders live off the island?
The Cook Islands are home to just 18,000 inhabitants, despite their large landmass. Actually, over two-thirds of Cook Islands residents live in New Zealand. That's a big group of people!
Its name has a fascinating history.
Are you curious about the Cook Islands' original name? We have a fascinating response for you.
The British explorer James Cook, who first set foot in the southern Palmerston Atoll in the 1700s, is credited with giving the island its name. But first, he gave the newly discovered location the name Hervey Islands.
In honor of this courageous sailor, cartographers later altered the name to what is currently known as the Cook Islands.
New Zealand money is used on the island.
Which currency is used in the Cook Islands? Although the Cook Islands dollars are the island nation's official currency, it also uses the New Zealand dollar.
Store owners might give you change in a combination of Cook Islands dollars and New Zealand dollars when you pay with cash. There's a catch, though: the latter is only usable within the islands.
Therefore, it is advised that you bring enough New Zealand dollars with you if you are traveling to the Cook Islands. A commemorative Cook Islands dollar is also yours to keep as a memento!
There are two official languages in the Cook Islands.
Cook Islands Maori and English are the two languages spoken by the people there. Speaking English will make it easy for you to communicate with the people.
In addition, the native speakers of mainland Rarotonga speak Cook Islands Maori. Other dialects from the Cook Islands' other regions are also present.
The people here value respect highly.
The Cook Islands' natives cherish custom and deference. Before visiting the island, it's crucial for visitors to become aware of proper manners.
Saying hello is one of the easiest ways to be respectful. You can smile and reciprocate when someone nods in your direction—often with a chin tipped slightly higher!
There are just so many coconut trees in Rarotonga!
The phrase "the sky's the limit" may be well-known to you, but the Cook Islands' architectural design belies this idea. No construction on the islands may be taller than a coconut tree, according to the law. This implies that there won't be any tall structures on the streets.
Rather, you'll take in the pristine skies and towering palm palms that wave in the warm tropical wind. Compared to the enormous skyscrapers and neon lights we are so accustomed to in cities, it is a genuinely pleasant sight.
In Rarotonga, land is not for sale.
One of the most fascinating things to know about The Cook Islands is this. How do people locate somewhere to live in Rarotonga if they are unable to purchase a house?
On the mainland, the property system functions differently. Generation after generation inherits homes, farms, and other types of property. In this sense, every person in Rarotonga owns a home and other property.