Welcome to South Pacific Discovery, your complete guide to everything that's great in the South Pacific.

South Pacific Discovery represents the best service and prices available for all accommodation and tourist operations in this part of the world, compiled by expert consultants who are local to each area.

So, we always know what's happening - and pass the best information and deals on to you! Accommodation and tour operations that you will find here have been selected with great care by our team in each area. We want to ensure you get the very best service across the board, so clients are guaranteed the best service and prices available. We want to make sure that your experience of the Pacific will be unforgettable.

We have a local representative in each country, to make sure that if anything concerns you while you are enjoying your holiday, you have someone from our company to talk to. We go the extra mile!

Our commitment is to ensure your time in the South Pacific is unique and rich in local experience - the Discovery of a lifetime..

Horse riding is a great way to take in Rarotonga's beautiful scenery and whether you have never been on horseback in your life, or are an experienced rider, they have a horse available to suit every requirement. Enjoy a two hour pony trek with the riding trails leading through the tropical plantations, up to Wigmore's Waterfall where you can have a swim before heading home along white sands beaches.

There are a number of tours available on Rarotonga, from Raro Tours guided coach tours to much more strenuous hikes. One of the more popular is a four hour guided walk across the island that stops at the Needle, a rock formation with fabulous views. Papua Waterfall at Vaimaanga, the largest waterfall on the island, dropping into a large pool. Hike through Takitumu Nature Reserve with its abundant plant and bird life. The Cook Islands' geographic isolation means there is a variety of wildlife not found anywhere else.

Aitutaki Lagoon is regarded as the most beautiful in the world and you can really enjoy this piece of paradise on board the "Titi ai Tonga". Your cruise takes you to two islets and a snorkelling area where you can hand almost feed tropical fish and, if you are lucky, see the rare giant clams. The Lagoon Cruise includes bbq lunch, tea and coffee as part of the ticket with alcoholic beverages and soft drinks available for sale. Towels, snorkels, masks and fins are provided.

The night life in Rarotonga rocks on a Friday night. One of the best ways to find out which 'establishment' you might like to spend more time at is to go on a good old fashioned 'pub crawl'. Two resorts, the Edgewater and the Rarotonga resort have these and all you have to do is book. Or you can organise your own! The night life really kicks in after 9pm. Meet some of the real "local characters" and dance the night away. You will find more information about dining here .

Diving is a very popular pastime in the Cook Islands, given they are the home of the famous black pearls. Many top quality dive operations are available for tourists. The amazing clear waters give an underwater visibility up to 200 feet, with spectacular canyons, caves and wrecks. The most popular places are the Ngatatangiia Swimthrough, Matavera Drop off, Mataora Wreck, Papu Canyon, Sand River and Koromiri Coral Garden.

Humpback whales visit the Cook Islands (mostly Rarotonga and Atiu) from July to October and come right up to the reef which in places is just 10 metres from shore. The best place to view the whales is on the west coast of Rarotonga at Black Rock and on the north coast of Rarotonga at Paradise Inn. Boat viewing close-up is discouraged, however.

Shopping is relaxed in the Cook Islands, with plenty of variety and great bargains to be had. The main shopping area is in Rarotonga, located in downtown Avarua. While you won't find antiques or haute couture clothing here, you will discover the lustrous and beautiful black pearls which the Cook Islands are renowned for, handicrafts of excellent quality, colourful clothing and electrical goods at very reasonable prices..

The old London Missionary Society schoolhouse, built in 1845, is a particularly beautiful old builsding on the outskirts of Avarua which has been refurbished and is now an art gallery and sales outlet for the magnificent Cook Island black pearls and jewellery as well as arts and crafts. The Cook Islands are fast becoming an island mecca for those looking for international quality artwork by well recognised artists.

For those with a historical bent, the Arai-Te-Tonga is one of the most sacred spots on the island, being home to the royal court in pre-European times; the stone structures (Koutu) were used for the investiture of high chiefs, annual tribal feasts and the 'presentation of the first fruit'.There are a number of 'maraes' on the island which have great historical significance and these can be seen with aid of expert guides.