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The largest and most populated island of the Cooks — though not, by any standards, crowded — is Rarotonga. Volcanic, it rises 4,500 meters from the ocean floor, and although you can drive around it in just half an hour it takes a great deal longer to cross the mountainous interior.

Dense rainforests and sheer peaks drop to palm-fringed beaches and clear blue water, sheltered by an offshore coral reef.

Exploring the island

There are plenty of ways to explore the island: four-wheel-drive is the easiest. Cross-island treks, with trails passing the island’s most dramatic peak, Te Rua Manga, or ‘the Needle’ are also a firm favorite.

With no snakes, dangerous wild animals or poisonous insects, exploring on land is relaxing and rewarding.

Surrounding waters

To sea, dive boats and catamarans explore the Pacific in all its glory: an exciting world of giant pelagics and multicolored shoals of reef fish on every side.

Local restaurants live from the wealth of the sea, with tuna, mahi mahi (dolphin fish) and parrot fish staple foods, and curried octopus a speciality.

Often these are followed by the island’s tantalizing tropical fruits — pineapples, pawpaw (papaya) and bananas, which are also the prime elements of the refreshing island breakfast.