Scale 1:100,000 and 1:50,000. Size 27"x39". International Travel Maps edition. This time around, we are combining Tahiti with the Cook Islands. Both share the reality of island countries – they consist of a series of islands separated by vast distances of water. The main island is actually two islands joined by a narrow isthmus called, appropriately Nui and Iti (large and small) Most of the resorts seem to be located south of Papeete. There are three other medium-sized islands – Moorea, Tahaa, and Raiatea, and the well-known coral enclosed island of Bora Bora.

We have provided an inset map of the territory (technically, it is part of France and uses the Euro). The Cook Islands tend to be smaller and less mountainous. The main island is Raratonga and we have added an inset map of Avarua, the country’s capital. Other touristic islands are Aitutaki, Mangaia, and Atiu, although my favourite is the isolated island of Penrhyn. Historically, the first sighting of any of the islands occurred as early as 1595, but real contact began in 1814, rather unhappily, with fighting and the deaths of individuals on both sides. With the French claiming control of Tahiti and the Society Islands, the island chiefs appealed repeatedly to Britain for protection. This was finally agreed to many years later, but Britain soon transferred responsibility to New Zealand. The islands have been self-governing since 1965.