Rarotonga

While Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands, the 15-island nation in the South Pacific, it remains one of the most detached parts of the earth. Volcanic peaks, ridges and rainforest dominate its interior, surrounded by white beaches and flame-orange coral reef. A 32km, round-the-island road links the island’s beaches, coastal lagoon and reefs, which make scuba diving and snorkelling so popular here. Many visitors go in search of the Kakeroi Bird, which can only be found on Rarotonga, or explore the Cross-Island Track, a rugged hiking trail that passes the 650m Te Rua Manga peak, or ‘The Needle’.