WHAT DO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE NEXT?
WEB LINKS SOURCES OF INFORMATION ESSENTIALS FOR THE TRAVELLER
OR TAILOR MAKE YOUR OWN TOUR USING THE MENU ON THE LEFT
WEB LINKS SOURCES OF INFORMATION ESSENTIALS FOR THE TRAVELLER
OR TAILOR MAKE YOUR OWN TOUR USING THE MENU ON THE LEFT
COOK ISLANDS LINKS
Where else to go on the web
Where else to go on the web
Type the words "Cook Islands" into Google and you'll get millions of sites...and it feels sometimes like I've visited all of them! The purpose of this page is to suggest some of the most interesting and useful sites. If you've got a site which you think belongs in this list, send me an email.
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GOVERNMENT OF THE COOK ISLANDS
The government is still getting to grips with the internet and most sites are pretty dull and basic, and don't seem to be updated too often. That said, they're still a good place to go if you're after specialist information.
The main site will tell you who's who in government, has a potted history of the Islands, details of overseas representatives and some essential facts and information. It also claims to have "the latest breaking government news", but the last posting was in December, 2008"!
The National Environment Service has some interesting pages about its work and the national park status of Suwarrow. Also worth a look are the statistics office (census reports, tourism figures, the consumer price index etc) and the Business Trade Investment Board (what you need to know if you're thinking of setting up in business in the Islands).
The National Environment Service has some interesting pages about its work and the national park status of Suwarrow. Also worth a look are the statistics office (census reports, tourism figures, the consumer price index etc) and the Business Trade Investment Board (what you need to know if you're thinking of setting up in business in the Islands).
WONDERS OF WILDLIFE
The Islands are not only home to an incredible array of plant and animal life, but also what I think is one of the most amazing pieces of work on the internet.
The Biodiversity website is the work of one man - Gerald McCormack of Rarotonga - who has meticulously documented over 4,000 species. And he thinks there's still at least 3,000 more to go! Fascinating to browse, even if you just look at the wonderful pictures which are mostly Gerald's own work.
Left: Rimatara Lorikeet
The Islands are not only home to an incredible array of plant and animal life, but also what I think is one of the most amazing pieces of work on the internet.
The Biodiversity website is the work of one man - Gerald McCormack of Rarotonga - who has meticulously documented over 4,000 species. And he thinks there's still at least 3,000 more to go! Fascinating to browse, even if you just look at the wonderful pictures which are mostly Gerald's own work.
Left: Rimatara Lorikeet
"DR LIVINGSTONE, I PRESUME?" NO, JUST STANLEY!
David Stanley to be precise...and in my opinion, the best guide book writer around, and a great photographer too. Just take a look at some of the amazing pictures he's taken on his travels round the Cook Islands. Sadly, David's Moon Handbooks are not being printed any more, but they're still in bookshops and available through the usual on line retailers. Highly recommended.
David Stanley to be precise...and in my opinion, the best guide book writer around, and a great photographer too. Just take a look at some of the amazing pictures he's taken on his travels round the Cook Islands. Sadly, David's Moon Handbooks are not being printed any more, but they're still in bookshops and available through the usual on line retailers. Highly recommended.
PARADISE CAPTURED
And if it's truly fantastic photos you're after, take a look at Marcus Glenig's collection. Marcus lives in Rarotonga, and as well as capturing the beauty of his home island and its people, there are also some great shots from the least visited places in the Cooks group. The picture on the left is One Foot Island in the Aitutaki lagoon. You can also see some more of his Aitutaki pictures here.
READ ALL ABOUT IT!
It's the "must read" in Rarotonga. This is the online edition of the 6 days a week newspaper, Cook Islands News. And you can also read an exclusive summary which I create each week (with the kind permission of the 'News") by clicking here.
The Islands' other newpapers are the Cook Islands Herald and its sister publication, the Cook Islands Times. The on line editon isn't updated regularly, but it's still well worth a visit, if only to read "Chooks Corner" (all the gossip that isn't fit to print!)
It's the "must read" in Rarotonga. This is the online edition of the 6 days a week newspaper, Cook Islands News. And you can also read an exclusive summary which I create each week (with the kind permission of the 'News") by clicking here.
The Islands' other newpapers are the Cook Islands Herald and its sister publication, the Cook Islands Times. The on line editon isn't updated regularly, but it's still well worth a visit, if only to read "Chooks Corner" (all the gossip that isn't fit to print!)
A PERSONAL SELECTION OF OTHER PEARLS
Cook Islands Pearl Authority: Everything you need to know the Islands' black pearl industry - the biggest business after tourism - including expert advice on buying
Tourism Authority: The official site
Air Rarotonga: Cook Islands internal airline
Tourism Authority: The official site
Air Rarotonga: Cook Islands internal airline
Aiutaki's own web site: created by the islanders
Atiu's own website: As they say themselves..."written by the inhabitants of the island and...indicative of the way we think of ourselves"
Mauke: The garden of the Islands through an Islander's eyes
Atiu's own website: As they say themselves..."written by the inhabitants of the island and...indicative of the way we think of ourselves"
Mauke: The garden of the Islands through an Islander's eyes
Cook's Island Bus: Timetable for the round the island service (just decide if you want to go clockwise or anti-clockwise)
Sunrise and sunset: Details for some of the Islands and villages (If you're looking for Rarotonga, click on the Avarua link)
Languages of the Cook Islands
Sunrise and sunset: Details for some of the Islands and villages (If you're looking for Rarotonga, click on the Avarua link)
Languages of the Cook Islands