The Cook Islands are located in the South Pacific, about 1875 miles (3015 km) north east of Auckland. The Cooks' nearest neighbours are Tahiti to the east and American Samoa to the west, each roughly 1500km (930 miles) away. The Cook Islands are spread across some 2 million square km (772,200 sqm) of sea, an area as large as Western Europe.  The islands are less commercialised than Fiji or Tahiti, with perfect white beaches bordered by coconut palms and warm clear lagoons.

There are two groups of islands, of which Rarotonga is the largest. The island is covered by thick evergreen bush, with the population living between the coral reef surrounding the island, and the hills.  The charm of the locals, as well as their dancing technique, is legendary.

The developed resorts are situated on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, with the best swimming beaches at Muri Lagoon and Titikaveka.  A scenic drive into the Takuvaine/Avatui Valleys offers a panorama of lush tropical scenery, and the only waterfall on the island, Papua's Waterfall, is located at Vaimaanga.  The museum at Takamoa has excellent examples of Cook Islands handicrafts.

With so much beautiful coastline, Rarotonga offers plenty of water activities, providing opportunities for kayaking, reef walking, swimming and snorkelling.   

Other islands within the southern group include Aitutaki, Mangaia, Atiu and Mauke. The northern group is more scattered and includes the islands of Pakapuka, Manihiki, Penrhyn and Rakahanga.

As I write this information, I am actually in the Cook Islands on a rugby tour with the school where I coach ~ Epsom College. On the flight down, I had the pleasure to sit beside quite an important Government official who was returning from negotiations with the European Union.

She provided me with a huge amount of background information which is particularly helpful when it comes to understanding fixtures. There are six schools in the country of which only one has a 6th form.

When they have visiting sides, who invariably come during their July half term, as the visitors need to fit in with the Kiwi and Australian half terms, they run a series of trials for players who would like to play against the overseas opposition. From these players, they select teams who then play under the name of one of the schools.

There is no sport in the schools. The sport is played through clubs who run programmes from the lowest age group possible right through to under 19's and then have senior A + B teams. You'll find good players aged 17 playing senior levels. Local conditions. Most rugby games are played in the National Stadium.

Tourism is the country's main income. Avarua, the capital of Rarotonga, is located a short eight minute drive away and provides an array of shops featuring local arts and crafts, banks, a cinema, cafes, bars and supermarkets. Rarotonga's local golf course is situated nearby and within a five minute drive.

On the west coast of Rarotonga magnificent glowing sunsets fill the sky with a stunning amber blaze. Emerald green mountains feature as a back drop and the turquoise Pacific Ocean is at your feet. Nestled amongst six acres of colourful tropical gardens, bordered by a white sand beach, swaying palms and overlooking a beautiful blue lagoon, could there be any place more charming than the picture perfect … Edgewater Resort.

We've been successfully using the Edgewater Resort for quite some time. It is very close to the airport, only 5 minutes away.  The whole island of Rarotonga is only 12 miles in circumference. Another great advantage is that it is literally minutes away from the National Stadium where most of the training and playing is done.

The Edgewater is Rarotonga's largest resort and offers 250 comfortable guest rooms to suit all travellers' requirements and budgets.  These are broken into several categories, with suites and apartments ranging from the Superior VIP Deluxe and Beachfront Suites, the Beachfront, Garden Superior and Garden rooms as well as Studio and Two Bedroom Apartments.

The island's buses stop at the resort whre you can also hire cars or, better still, scooters. There is a pool, whilst snorkelling equipment is available for swimming in the ocean (coral shoes are recommended), Health Spa and Salon, Fitness Centre (limited facilities), a games room, two floodlit tennis courts, Mal's Bar, The Brasserie Restaurant and the Spaghetti House.

Another great advantage of the Edgewater is that it is within a gentle jog from a training ground owned by Tereora College which is right beside the national stadium.

• National Museum ~ The museum has an excellent selection of Cook Islands handicrafts. It is located in the National Culture Centre, along with the National Library.
• First settlement of Tinomana Ariki ~ A unique historic and scenic attraction.
• Pa's Palace, Takitumu ~ Pa was a chief of Tikitumu and this was his home, built of coral and lime.
• Arai-te-Tonga ~ These stone structures form the Koutu, the royal court of a high chief.  Investitures, annual tribal feasts and other ceremonies were performed here.
• Punanganui Market ~ Held on Saturdays, the market is a great place to soak up the atmosphere, mix with locals and browse through the crafts, jewellery and clothing.  
• Wreck of the Maitai ~ The SS Maitai was wrecked in 1916, carrying a cargo of Model T Fords to New Zealand. 
• Lagoon Cruise ~ This is an absolute must. You head out into the Pacific before stopping for at least an hour to do some snorkelling on the reef. The fish are fantastic as is the coral, but please be warned that you cannot take any coral with you.  When you have finished, the boat takes you to an island to enjoy a BBQ of Tuna with Banana and salads.  The locals then give you an exhibition of coconut husking.
• Traditional Dance Show ~ Cook Island traditional dance is considered the most sensual in the South Pacific, with the dances based on stories of old passed down through the generations. Several of the hotel resorts offer Dance Shows accompanied by traditionally cooked food.
• Learn to Scuba Dive ~ Cook Islands dive sights are considered very good for beginners and casual divers, as all the sites are close to shore and conditions are always good.  The  Rarotongan Dive Centre has a small but deep pool to help beginners get acquainted with equipment and basic techniques before exploring the shallow waters within the reef.
• Snorkelling and Kayaking ~ A great way to explore the islands is by sea kayaks or canoe which can be hired by the half-day, and at far end of Muri Beach, snorkelling is considered the best on the island, where you'll get the chance to see giant clams, some corals and lots of marine life.
• One Foot Island ~ Take a day trip from Rarotonga to visit the only uninhabited island to have a post office.  You can send your postcards from here and have your passport stamped!
• Constitution Week festivities ~ During late July/early August, watch some of the celebrations, especially Coconut Tree Climbing and Cook Island National Dancing.