Polynesian heritage is evident in the dance and drama performed at various events throughout the year, particularly during the Constitutional Celebration on August 4th. The people are simply lovely warm, friendly and welcoming of island guests. Tipping is not a custom here. The climate of the Cooks is pleasantly warm and sunny all year round. From April to November are the cooler and drier months, while November to March marks the warmer season with occasional tropical showers.
Severe weather is very rare in the islands.
The Cook Islands are a great stopover on the way to New Zealand or Australia or if you are island hopping around the South Pacific. With its stunning mountainous emerald peaks, glorious beaches, lush tropical gardens, exotic sunsets, azure seas, Polynesian culture and wonderful snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, Rarotonga is often compared with Tahiti. But the similarity stops here. Rarotonga is much more welcoming and affordable to visitors. The island is twenty miles in circumference easy to bike around, take the island bus or rent a car or a scooter.