Rarotonga

Rarotonga

Rarotonga is the largest island in the Cook Islands, covering a land area of 67 square kilometers with a population of 9,810. It is an oval-shaped volcanic island surrounded by coral reefs, with mountainous terrain in the center and plains along the coast. The soil on Rarotonga is very fertile, making it abundant in tropical and subtropical fruits such as citrus. Avarua, situated in the central northern part of the island's northern coast, is the capital and main port of the Cook Islands. Nearby Avarua is another port, while Nikao at the northwestern tip has an international airport. The island is encircled by a ring road and is home to factories such as those producing fruit juice cans and garments.

Ancient temple foundations and other signs in Tupapa Valley indicate that the island has been inhabited for a long time. The island features the ancient Ara Metua road running parallel to modern highways. The main port, Avarua, serves as the capital of the Cook Islands. Rarotonga’s economy is primarily based on the production of citrus, pineapples, coconuts, bananas, and light industry. Since the introduction of international air routes in 1973, tourism has seen gradual growth. Nowadays, Rarotonga has become a major tourist destination in the Cook Islands, attracting many visitors each year. Viewed from the air, Rarotonga resembles a vibrant emerald. The green is so pure that the island’s not particularly expansive white sandy beaches stand out vividly.