Experiencing a new culture is the best part of holidaying overseas. It's exhilarating to escape the beach or pool and immerse yourself in a new location.

The Pacific Islands are a perfect place to travel if you're looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure. Vanuatu, Samoa and Fiji; there are a number of different countries to travel, all offering their own unique cultures and way of life.

For the ultimate experience combining the sought after island holiday with the country's rich history, book a stay at a Cook Islands resort and spend a week or two under the warm sun and blue skies.

Culture on the Cook Islands

These islands boast a strong culture through language, music and art that range from the traditional through to the contemporary. Holidaymakers that are interested in more than just a country's historical way of life will love the strong national identity that the locals proudly call their own and the constantly evolving, unique culture that the islands are home to.

The islands have a close affiliation with New Zealand; the two countries are in a free association and share close similarities in indigenous language with Cook Islands Maori the official language of the nation's people.

Island society still maintains strong associations with the villages and their chiefs. Land rights and titles are passed down at the discretion of older family members and the bond of family is held in great esteem by the locals.

Art and Music

Traditional artworks are commonly in the form of woodcarving and weaving with each of the country's different islands featuring their own unique style and subject matter. The contemporary art scene in the Cook Islands is populated by painters, sculptors and photographers, sharing close ties with New Zealand artists with the island's culture and history a focus that shines through in many works.

Christian music is popular on the islands, but traditional Polynesian song and dance draws a number of tourists and visitors and remains frequently performed and enjoyed. Every island in the nation has its own dances that are taught from a young age and dances are commonly accompanied by the Cook Islands styled drumming of the traditional wooden percussion instrument, the pate.

Holidaying and Vacations

The most populous and well known island, Rarotonga, is the commonly chosen location for holidays because of the luxurious resorts that offer travellers a quality stay, relaxing location, amenities and access to the vibrant and unique culture of the islands.

Book a trip away and find out for yourself why a stay in the Cook Islands is considered one of the best island vacations in the world.