Did James Cook discover the Cook Islands?

Throughout the following decades Spanish explorers briefly sighted the Cook Islands including Alvaro de Mendana in 1595 who sighted Pukapuka and Pedro Fernandex de Quiros in 1606 who sighted Rakahanga however it wasn’t until 1773 when Captain James Cook discovered the Cook Islands, sighting Manuae, Palmerston, Takutea.

What was Cook Islands called before?

Originally named the Hervey Isles after a British lord, the Russians named them the Cook Islands in honour of the famous captain in 1823. In 1888 they became a part of the British Dominion, due to fears France may seize the islands first.

What is Rarotonga culture?

Life in Rarotonga is enriched with a culture that embraces dance, music, storytelling, handcrafts and delicious traditional recipes. Dancers are accompanied by drumming on the paté, a Polynesian wooden slit drum. …

Did Maoris come from Cook Islands?

Māori and the Cook Islands It is likely that some New Zealand Māori can trace their ancestors to the Cook Islands. The various dialects of the Cooks are very similar to Māori.

Where to go for lunch in Rarotonga Cook Islands?

Location: Ara Tapu, Muri Beach, Rarotonga. If you ask anyone in Rarotonga where to go for lunch they will no doubt say Charlie’s Cafe. This place is a Rarotonga icon and a must visit when in the Cook Islands capital. This seaside eatery features everything you could ever want, from amazing ocean views to sandwiches as big as your head.

What foods are served on the Cook Island?

Another great Cook Island dish is Curried Eke which is octopus (delicious in itself) presented the Island way. The ingredients for this one are extremely simple but work so well together. The prepared and cooked octopus is cooked again in coconut cream and onions with fragrant spices, garlic and seasoning to taste.

What are the names of the harbours in Rarotonga?

The pace of life is so relaxed that at night people congregate at the sea wall that skirts the end of the airport’s runway to be “jetblasted” by incoming planes. Rarotonga has three harbours, Avatiu, Avarua and Avana, of which only Avatiu harbour is of commercial significance.

Who are the people of the Cook Islands?

Their origins are owed to the Polynesians who arrived in Rarotonga around 800 AD. These ancient voyagers had set sail from Tupua’i, now known as French Polynesia. While English is the official language, Cook Island Maori is widely spoken in the community.