If you travel to New Zealand from the other side of the world, why not take the unique opportunity to visit another Polynesian island close by?

The Cook Islands are associated with New Zealand and they share a special relationship in many ways. The locals have NZ passports and access to healthcare, you can comfortably pay with New Zealand dollars and everyone you'll speak to has a Kiwi accent. They also call themselves Maori and there are historical links going back to the times of the big Polynesian migrations.

Start your holiday in the main island Rarotonga, a short stay in this little pretty paradise could not be easier to organise. For local travel simply take a bus anywhere on the main loop highway that runs either left or right and if you miss your destination you'll be back in your same spot within 30 minutes! No matter where your hotel or motel is located, you can cheaply rent cars and scooters and travel to whichever beach is the best of the day, taking into account the current wind direction and sunshine.

One of the favourite local pastimes is jet blasting, position yourself straight under the adventurous approach to the airport runway and marvel at the giant aircraft flying in just above your head...

A little bit further away the more expensive Aitutaki lures visitors and honeymooners from all over the world to its wonderful lagoon, maybe one of the most beautiful spots in the whole Pacific.

Nearly every accommodation has self-catering facilities with little kitchenettes, although shopping for food will be rather expensive, so many people take supplies from New Zealand when they go for a family holiday. Restaurants are about the same price as in New Zealandand there are lovely food stalls and night markets where you can get affordable but yummy dishes with exotic flavours.

Snorkelling and swimming is great all year round, but be aware that the water is not as tropical as you might imagine in the middle of winter (July to September). During summer also be aware that the Pacific cyclone season may also affect the Cook Islands from time to time, but this is very rare.

So think twice if you don't want to add another week to your trip in a tropical paradise!

More Cook Islands photos:

In the centre of Avarua, Rarotonga's main town:

The famous Muri lagoon in Rarotonga:

Tropical paradise Aitutaki: