THE COOK ISLANDS lie in the South Pacific, 3500km(2200 miles) to the Northeast of New Zealand, and form part of Polynesia. The Northern group of islands (7) are all coral atolls, while the 8 Southern islands are of volcanic origin.

The capital, Avarua, is situated on Raratonga, one of the two larger islands (the other is Aitutaki), and it is on these two islands where most of the resorts can be found.

The islands offer lagoon cruises, historical tours, inland trekking, and wonderful scenery.

The climate is generally hot all year round, but varies throughout the islands.