The 2.2 million sq. km covered by the Cook Islands rivals the area of many nations. The archipelago of course does not have quite the land available as Mexico, but the space means the visitor can take advantage of the different forces that formed the islands; the volcanic in the south and biological coral atolls in the north. The Cook Islands are in free association with New Zealand and are a self-governing parliamentary democracy. Though quite far, there's nothing between the Cook Islands and Antarctica. With the same time zone and latitude (disregarding north and south) as Hawaii, the islands are sometimes thought of as "Hawaii down under". Though smaller, it reminds some elderly visitors of Hawaii before statehood without all the large tourist hotels and other development. Rarotonga, the site of Avarua, the capital of the Cook Islands has developed resorts and is popular with tourists. Prospective travellers can direct their visit depending on whether it is the beach landscape or marine activities that they desire to get involved with. A number of treks and oodles of diving will certainly keep anyone busy. The latter has certain restrictions that will enable those taking part to really enjoy the underwater spectacles. Apart from a variety of land activities including climbing, golf and lawn bowls the landscape holds the interesting black basalt marae stones.
Named after Captain COOK, who sighted them in 1770, the islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965 residents chose self-government in free association with New Zealand.In effect, New Zealand handles defense, foreign affairs (including passports), and currency; otherwise the islands are self-governing. This includes immigration, which is strictly controlled -- even for New Zealanders. The emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand and government deficits are continuing problems.
