Australia & New Zealand Cruise: Valparaiso To Auckland

Aitutaki

A visit to the Cook Islands is not complete without seeing the beautiful island of Aitutaki, 220 km north of Rarotonga and less than an hours flight away. Aitutaki is the second most visited of the magical Cook Islands and is recommended as a “must see” extension of your Rarotonga holiday. Day trips are also popular.

Partly volcanic and (in parts) of atoll origin, its highest hill, Maungapu (124 meters) is said to be the top of Rarotonga’s Raemaru Peak brought back by victorious Aitutaki warriors. Its large and spectacular lagoon (45 kms round) teems with colored fish of many varieties and many small and charming uninhabited islands (motus), are sprinkled along the fringes of the outer lagoon. This is a place of great natural beauty and tranquility, where crystal clear waters and
swaying palms provide a simple tonic to sooth away the pressures of the outside world.

With the arrival of Reverend John Williams, Aitutaki became the first island to receive Christianity back in 1821. The first Polynesian explorer was Ru from Raiatea in the Society Islands, while Captain William Bligh of “Bounty” fame is credited with being the first European to sight the island in 1789. Aitutaki was also a favorite stop for whalers in the 1950’s and in 1888 the British flag was raised and Aitutaki and Rarotonga were included in the boundaries of New Zealand.

The capital of Western Samoa on the northern coast of Upolo Island in the Southern
Pacific.

A city of stunning natural beauty, Auckland blends the best of the modern cosmopolitan world with that of a Polynesian paradise. Nestled between two beautiful harbors, this marine playground offers breathtaking views and more than 1,000 bays and beaches. Shop the colorful Victorian Park Market or the charming boutiques of Parnell Village. Explore museums brimming with artifacts of the Maori culture. Or enjoy the natural splandor of the city, from English-style rose gardens to extinct volcanic sites. Popular landmarks are One Tree Hill and Mount Eden.

The ‘Bay of Islands’ was how Cook described the area two centuries ago, and the simplicity of his name masks the diversity of its charm.The subtleties of its attraction lie as much in the graceful fusion of sea with land as in the manoeuvres of Man – of Maori, whaler, missionary, and later, settler. The Bay, studded with over 150 islands, is a ‘drowned river system’, an area where the sea has invaded and drowned a number of river valleys. Its sheltered waters offer some of the finest boating and fishing to be found anywhere, and the menus of local restaurants reflect the abundance of marine life in the Bay.

Bora Bora is one of over 100 islands in the South Pacific. The people are a mix of Maori, Chinese and European, and have a unique, welcoming culture. One can experience turquoise blue waters, white sand beaches, as well as a heathly mix of culture and the arts. Excellent hiking, scuba diving, fishing, boating and more can also be easily found.

Although Easter Island (Rapa Nui), is 2,344 miles off the Chilean coast in the Pacific ocean, almost halfway to Tahiti, it is owned by Chile. It is the most isolated island on earth. Its volcanic slopes are covered with over 600 giant stone statues, many topping 32 feet and weighing up to 90 tons.

Moorea’s white sandy beach, clearwater lagoons, majestic palm trees and volcanic peaks make this a truely peaceful island paradise. Moorea is dedicated to tourism without all of the hustle-bustle typical of its neighboring islands. Go to Velvedere Lookout, or view the facsinating marae ruins and stone archery platforms in the Upunohu Valley, both easily accesible by moped or car.

Tahiti, (te-hê´tê) island (1988 pop. 115,820), 402 sq mi (1,041 sq km), S Pacific, in the Society Islands, French Polynesia. The capital is Papeete. It relies on tourism and produces vanilla, fruits, and copra. Settled by Polynesians (14th cent.), it was visited in the 18th century by Capt. James Cook and Lt. William Bligh. It became French in 1843. Gauguin painted his best-known works there.

As Chile’s chief port, Valparaiso is a major industrial center and the terminus of a trans-Andean railroad. Its setting is a natural amphitheater. The business district, crowded onto a narrow waterfront terrace, is connected by cable railways to residential areas on the surrounding slopes. Founded in 1536, Valparaiso grew rapidly in the late 19th century.