Cook Islands

The largest of the Cook Islands, Rarotonga, pleasantly surprised us. We anticipated a day baking in the sun on a white beach, with little else on offer. 

However, the skies remained overcast for most of our visit and there were plenty of shops in Avarua offering things to buy, food to eat, guided tours, and rental cars. We chose the latter. 

As on Bora Bora, we circled the island at our own pace. I managed to drive on the left side of the road (The Cook Islands are a loose protectorate of New Zealand) most of the time. 

We hiked through a forested hillside to a small waterfall, stopping often to observe the flora and fauna along the way.

Back on the road, we drove a bit further before stopping at a roadside restaurant for lunch. We were struck by how different “life” on Rarotonga was from that in French Polynesia. On Bora Bora, we drove a long way before finding a place for lunch. Here, it seemed a cafe or restaurant was located around every other bend in the road. The Pacific islands that developed under English colonialism have gone down a different path than those under French colonialism. That should not be a surprise, but I found the contrast remarkable. 

After lunch, back on the road to complete our tour. We turned the car in, and walked back to the harbor. 

Along the way, birds, wild and domestic, were everywhere, the air filled with their calls. 

Back on the ship, we showered, had dinner, and let our beds welcome us.