Cook Island

Unusually early the alarm goes off, at 03:45 we have to get up to catch the first flight from CHC to Auckland. Duncan takes us to the airport, and the farewell is hard for me; somehow it all happened very quickly in the end. The plane departs on time, a final glance at the Alps, and then we turn north. By chance, I see the Molesworth farm beneath me; I can also recognize the valley and the unpaved road through the high plateau. The trip to Hanmer Springs was just 2 weeks ago, and since then, so many new impressions have been added. In Auckland, we transition to the international area, have one last phone call with the kids, and then boarding for the flight begins – Rarotonga is the next destination. New Zealand will eventually be left behind; after nearly 4 hours, we land in Rarotonga. The Cook Islands consist of 15 islands, with the main island being Rarotonga, which is slightly smaller than Königswinter at 68 km². Approximately 11,000 residents live here, along with many tourists and visitors. The entry formalities are similar to those of NZ; additionally, we need to prove our accommodation and onward flight. A taxi driver is already waiting and takes us via the circular coastal road to our booked accommodation. The landlady is very friendly, the apartment is clean and well-maintained, everything is top-notch. Additionally, there is even a canoe and snorkeling equipment. In the morning, I sit with a coffee on the terrace, enjoying the sunrise and the eternal sound of the waves at the reef, then swim a bit and relax on the beach. With the canoe, we paddle to the reef belt at low tide, where there are sea urchins and starfish, along with a few small fish and crabs.