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THE COOK ISLANDS


Tough self-governed, the dreamy white coral sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Cook Islands enjoy an association with New Zealand. English and other local dialects are spoken here. Most of the islands’ inhabitants are Cook Island Maori and their vibrant culture permeates through the arts of music, storytelling, and native dance. AITUTAKI’s triangular shaped reef surrounds a low-lying island. Spending time relaxing on a palm-fringed beach, cruising the lagoon in an outrigger canoe, or perfecting the art of playing the ukulele are favorite


past-times. Te markets are filled with beautiful basketwares and mats created by Maori weavers. In comparison, RAROTONGA, the archipelago’s largest island, is characterized with vertiginous volcanic peaks. Nature lovers appreciate the steep trails that crisscross the center of the island and those seeking a spiritual connection seek out the wisdom of the island’s local healer and guru, Pa Teuruaa. A coral reef rings Rarotonga, and its protected beaches look out on an azure lagoon.


THE MARQUESAS ISLANDS


Formed from volcanic activity, the Marquesas Islands jut majestically out of rocky cobalt seas. Teir jagged coasts offer no coral reefs and almost no beaches. Popular activities include exploring the rainforest covered hills and deep valleys once populated by ancient Maori tribes. Te lure of these islands has long attracted adventurers like Herman Melville and Paul Gauguin. Te Marquesas are so remote that they have their own eco-systems and you will discover plants, animals, and bird species that exist nowhere else in the world. Wild, untamed beauty beckons. A working knowledge of basic French or a translation book is also nice to have, as there are few English-speakers in this exotic destination. FATU HIVA (that’s a silent “h”) with only 500 residents between two villages prides itself on its petroglyphs, tikis, and its stunning views of Hanavave (Te Bay of Virgins). Of Te Gauguin’s stops in the Marquesas, TAHUATA feels the most remote and yields the most authentic Marquesan woodcarvings, tikis, and jewelry in their waterfront market. HIVA OA offers the chance to make a pilgrimage to the resting places of Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel — and to tour their cultural centers. NUKU HIVA is the administrative, economic, educational, and health center of the Marquesas Islands but does not disappoint in sweeping views of verdant peaks, ancient banyans, archeological sites, and wild horses.


Paul Gauguin Cruises | pgcruises.com


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