June 2005 Kia Orana! Letter from the Editor: Kia Orana, Do you need a relaxing vacation? Do you wish you could step back in time and visit an untouched paradise? Have you ever thought of visiting the Cook Islands but didn't know where it was or how to get there? If you answered YES to any of the above questions I am here to help for the. I am happy to suggest hotels, recommend tours and tell you all the must see and must do's. If you are interested in finding more about the Cook Islands read below and then call 800-300-KIWI. Kia Manuia Cook Islands News in Detail: WORD ON THE STREET ABOUT THE COOK ISLANDS "Awaken your senses to a wonderful holiday experience. Smell the fragrant flowers; taste the freshest fish; hear the sounds of the ocean, the breeze and the drums; touch the soothing waters; see the friendly smiling faces and the clear turquoise blue water; experience a true Polynesian vacation in the Cook Islands." - Amy Miller NY "The Pacific Resort in Aitutaki is certainly the jewel in the crown." Andrew Seligman CA  "The Cook Islands are a must for warm hospitality, relaxation, romance and a genuine feeling of family, friends and culture, unmatched by other destinations in the world." - Kristin Wells, WA Air New Zealand "Dining in the Cooks is outstanding! I loved the more local Paw Paw patch BBQ and the New Zealand specials at Sails and the Outrigger restaurants. I had some of the best meals I have ever eaten in the Cook Islands." - Lynne Burke CA [top] FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: WHY SHOULD I GO TO THE COOK ISLANDS? If you are looking to step back in time and discover a paradise, which up until now been a long kept secret. If you are seeking a place that has buildings no taller than a coconut tree, a country which only received it's third ATM in 2004, a place that boasts beautiful, deserted white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and some of the friendliest people in the world, the Cook Islands is for you. People compare the Cook Islands to Hawaii 50 years ago. “What a beautiful country, so unspoiled it is like going back in time. The Cook Islands are so refreshing…” Ulrike Sache-Campbell, CA HOW DO I GET TO THE COOK ISLANDS? Air New Zealand provides services three times a week from North America via Tahiti. They also have regularly scheduled flights from both the North and South islands of New Zealand CAN I EARN MILES ON ANY US AIRLINES? Air New Zealand is apart of the star alliance program. You can earn and use United Miles when traveling with Air New Zealand. WHICH ISLANDS SHOULD I VISIT? There are 15 islands in the Cook Islands. North Americans typically include Rarotonga and Aitutaki in their itineraries. Atiu a 40-minute flight from Rarotonga is the third most developed island. The other islands are suited for the more adventurous travelers.  WHAT CAN I DO WHEN I GET THERE? There are plenty of things to do from trekking to Safari tours, Island Nights, local church visits, Black Pearl shopping plus much more. Many visitors partake in marine activities or simply enjoy relaxing on "island time", which the Cook Islands are famous for. WHAT'S THE EASIEST WAY TO GET FROM ISLAND TO ISLAND? Air Rarotonga is the Cook Islands domestic airline, which services the outer islands. There is no boat service between the outer Cook Islands. From Rarotonga to Aitutaki it is an approximate 50-minute flight WHAT LANGUAGE DO THEY SPEAK IN THE COOK ISLANDS? Cook Islands Maori is the local language however everybody speaks English. ARE WEDDINGS LEGALLY BINDING IN THE COOK ISLANDS? Cook Island marriages are internationally recognized and legally binding worldwide. Email utravel@australianewzealand.com to find out how you can have your wedding in Paradise. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL? The best time to travel to the Cook Islands is when an event or festival is on. Email utravel@australianewzealand.com for the latest calendar of events. WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE? The Cook Islands enjoys a pleasantly warm and sunny climate all year round. While there are no extreme temperatures, the drier cooler season runs from April to November. The warmer, more humid season runs from December to March. WHAT IS THE TIME DIFFERENCE? The Cook Islands are on the same time zone as Hawaii, and are on the same side of the International Date Line as North America. The Cook Islands is only 3 hours behind California April-October and 2 hours behind California November-March.   [top] PRESS CORNER Did you see the article in the LA Times? Rosemary McClure wrote a great article on the Cook Islands which was published in the LA Times, PA Inquirer, Colorado Springs Gazette, and The Record just to name a few. If you would like to read the article, and see the short video that Rosemary narrated click on the link below (if the link doesn't work type in Rosemary McClure Cook Islands into www.google.com) http://www.latimes.com/travel/printedition/la-tr-cooks10apr10,1,3074751.story?coll=la-headlines-travel  [top] EXCHANGE RATE: Wednesday May 25, 2005 $1 USD = $1.40 New Zealand Dollars http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic  [top] MARK YOUR CALENDAR - 2005 Round Rarotonga Road Run Sept 29 - Oct 6 The Cook Island's Edgewater Resort is proud to be involved for the 2nd year as the major sponsor for the Round Raro Road Run. This year the event will be held on September 29 through October 6 2005 featuring events such as an opening function, hi-Carb dinner evening, 5km fun run, Round Raro Road Run, prize giving dinner, Round the Rock Relay, Cross Island Race plus much more. Register yourself or your clients for the Round Raro Road Race by the 14th August, 2005 to be in the draw to win 3 nights in Aitutaki. Conditions Apply. For more information, program of events, or registration forms please send an email with your contact details to utravel@australianewzealand.com