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Cook Islands Social Studies Educational Travel
COOK ISLAND
Cook Islanders are Polynesians, arriving in their homeland around 800 AD. The people are broadly divided into two groups - those from the northern Cooks speaking Pukapukan whose descendents came from Samoa and Tonga to the west, and those from the southern Cooks speaking Rarotongan whose descendants came from The Society Islands and Marquesas to the east. The indigenous people, commonly known as Cook Island Maoris, also share their Polynesian ancestry with New Zealand Maoris.
Cook Islanders are devout Christians and Sunday is a day of rest and church going. Singing in church is an evocative icon of the Cook Islands and a Sunday church service is well worth a visit. Most islanders are associated with the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) which most of the old attractive churches are, although new Christian denominations are widespread.
A visit to the Cook Islands Cultural Village is a Must-do on any Cook Islands itinerary. This is a great opportunity to get an overview of the culture and history of the Cook Islands. Take a look at what it must have been like to live in these islands before the missionaries arrived. Even further back, when the first navigators arrived on their massive double hulled canoes complete with whole societies.
The remarkable guided tour through the many cultural huts of the village includes information and demonstrations about traditional costume making, fishing, Maori medicine, weaving, coconut husking, cooking, carving and learning how to dance. Enjoy a tropical island lunch and traditional island show.
RAROTONGA TOUR
9 Days / 8 NightsAccommodation: Resort
Meals: Daily Breakfast
Transport: Air-conditioned motor coachHighlights
-- 3 Hour Circle Island tour – Natangiia Harbour; Museum; Plantations; Markets; Cultural Village Tour
