Cook Islands - Aitutaki

After having landed at the Rarotonga airport, the Customs officer smiles to you and says: "Kia orana ! Welcome to the paradise on Earth".

No need to add more.

Kia orana means hello in the Cook Islands language. You can also use it to say thanks.

The Cook Islands is a self-governing island country in the South Pacific Ocean in free association with New Zealand. It comprises 15 islands whose total land area is 240 square kilometres.

New Zealand is responsible for the Cook Islands' defence and foreign affairs, but these responsibilities are exercised in consultation with the Cook Islands. In recent times, the Cook Islands have adopted an increasingly independent foreign policy. Cook Islanders are citizens of New Zealand, but they also have the status of Cook Islands nationals, which is not given to other New Zealand citizens.