E51SGC – Underground

E51SGC will operate from IOTA OC – 013, Rarotonga, South Cook Islands, from 6 to 24 November 2024.
Team——LZ1GC, LZ5QZ.
Nearest DX Point E51SGC
E51SGC Log Searchsearch They will operate on 160 – 6m, CW, SSB, FT4, FT8, RTTY.
QSL passes LZ1GC, ClubLog OQRS, LOTW.
DXCC Country – Southern Cook Islands, E5/S.

Rarotonga: Uncovering the Mysteries

When people think of the Cook Islands, the first thing that comes to mind is Rarotonga, the largest volcanic island in the archipelago. Historically, Rarotonga was considered a kingdom and is now home to the Cook Islands Parliament and other important infrastructure.

If you want to visit this island, it’s worth knowing more about it.

Rarotonga, Southern Cook Islands. Authors – Sam and Jo..

How about geography?

Rarotonga is a volcanic island and is considered a hill. Its total area is 67.19 square kilometers. Avarua (meaning “two ports”, of course not a pair), the capital and largest city of the Cook Islands, is located on the island.

The landscape is varied:

• picturesque seaside;
• The center is mountainous and the terrain is rugged.

In addition to being surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the island’s volcanic formation also ensures that there is an abundant supply of fresh water. Local residents draw high-quality water from springs and natural streams in the valley. In addition, large underground reservoirs have been discovered here.

Flora and Fauna

The plant world of Rarotonga is practically no different from other Pacific mountain ranges. It is worth mentioning that the vegetation in the south is somewhat more diverse – this is due to the peculiarities of the mountain structure and volcanic origin. In general, the flora can be divided into several zones:

• Macatea;
• Coastal vegetation;
• Swamp Group;
• Ferns;
• Vegetation in forest areas.

The entire island is considered a protected area. Most of the site is virtually unspoiled, so the land mammals are preserved in their original form. As for the fauna itself, this is also typical of the Cook Islands.

Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Author – Matthews Kurt.

What to do for fun?

The main attraction of the island is the narrow azure beach surrounded by lush palm trees, which makes for a relaxing beach holiday. You can also try the following activities:

Explore the many natural canyons that will keep you cool;
Enjoy the services of a guide who will tell you about the history of the Islands and the Polynesian people and take you on a tour of the area;
Indulge in a spa treatment at one of the many hotels or salons;
Dive and explore the ocean floor, which still holds many secrets.
Anglers will definitely be interested in underwater fishing. You may catch a fairly large tuna, barracuda or marlin. By the way, fish is a local specialty and they serve it to guests in the colorful restaurants in the town.

Rarotonga can also meet the needs of tourists who like night entertainment. The bars, restaurants and entertainment centers in the hotel can provide a variety of programs, which can not only kill time but also let you understand the customs and habits of the locals.

In the afternoon, you can go with your family (or companions) to the National Park, where all the historical and folkloric sites that carry the history of this island will be displayed. At the same time, you can explore in detail all the colors of the area and admire the untouched beauty of nature. Holidays in the park also include sports activities, there are many playgrounds for children and adults.

There are only a few historical sites on this island that may interest tourists – the first Christian church and the Papeha Stone. Also worth seeing is the geometrically perfect circle of palm trees, which was formed naturally without human intervention. For tourists: be sure to ask your guide about the legends associated with the above-mentioned attractions.

Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Author – John Dale.

For those who love to eat delicious food

There are many restaurants in the area offering visitors authentic European cuisine, based on locally caught or grown produce, and some takeaway food and drinks.

If you want to try exotic flavors, you can find several restaurants specializing in local cuisine. Rice, local fruits, fish and meat are the basis of the dishes. Many dishes will appeal to vegetarians and seafood lovers. As for vegetables, eggplant, zucchini, cabbage are the main ones.

Be sure to try the local specialty – sea cucumber and green banana. This dish is particularly spicy and fully reflects the locals’ culinary taste.

You can pair your meal with the wine you brought with you, or try the local beer, which they call tutunu. This alcoholic drink goes particularly well with another national dish, cooked in an earthen oven, known as umukai. This delicacy is a stew of local vegetables (the set menu may vary) and seafood (also depending on preference or availability).

You must try the salted fish, which can be eaten alone with local beer or as an ingredient in other dishes.

Some suggestions

If you decide to visit this island, it is best to go between June and February, although the weather conditions here are mostly stable.

There is one airport on Rarotonga, which is mainly served by local airlines. The most frequent flight is from Air New Zealand. There are also flights to Los Angeles.

You do not need a visa when entering the archipelago, but this only applies to tourists. If you want to extend your stay on the islands, you will need to contact the local immigration department. It is also worth finding out in advance about restrictions on transporting certain products through customs.

E51SGC. Where is Rarotonga? Map.