the Cook Islands is an archipelago nation comprised of 15 islands.

庫克群島是一個 由 15 個島嶼組成的群島國家。

It is spread across an area in the South Pacific,

島嶼分佈於南太平洋的一個區域，

three times the size of Texas.

所構成的範圍是德州土地面積的三倍大。

Supremely beautiful, with pristine white sands fringed by coconut palms,

美麗動人，有潔白的沙灘 邊緣有椰林搖曳、

the Cook Islands possesses a castaway island magic

庫克群島 擁有漂流島的迷人魅力，

and yet is only a four hour flight from New Zealand.

但從紐西蘭 搭飛機卻又只需要四個小時。

According to legend, these tiny islands,

據傳說，這些小島

dotted amongst the vast ocean,

星羅棋佈，分佈在寬廣的大海上，

were discovered thousands of years ago by the very finest Polynesian seafarers.

在幾千年前 被幾名優秀的波利尼西亞航海員發現。

Guided by the stars and using other sophisticated navigation techniques,

在星星和其他先進導航技術的指引下， 他們乘著傳說中的

they landed their legendary double hulled Vakas and set about creating paradise.

雙體船登陸 並著手打造這個天堂。

When Missionaries arrived in the 19th century,

十九世紀

they tried to ban the locals from what they considered to be ungodly traditions of singing,

當傳教士抵達此地時， 他們試圖禁止當地人進行

dancing and drumming.

他們認為荒唐的傳統，如唱歌、跳舞和打鼓。

Far from being weakened,

但此傳統卻從未減弱，

the powerful beat of Polynesian culture,

波利尼西亞的強大文化沖擊，

with its intimate connection to nature was blended with a deep Christian faith.

以及與大自然的緊密結合， 並融入深厚的基督教信仰。

Today, the Cook Islands moves to a generous and gentle rhythm.

如今 庫克群島變得更加豐富和柔和。

It is a rhythm you’ll feel as soon as you touch down in Rarotonga,

從您踏上 最大島「拉羅湯加島」土地的那一刻起

the largest island in the group.

就能感受到此美妙的氛圍。

You could easily drive around this sparkling island in half an hour if you hurry,

如果您動作快一點的話 開車只要半小時，就可以繞島一圈

but that’s the charm of the Cook Islands…..

但這就是庫克群島

no one does.

獨有的迷人魅力。

Instead, slowly get lost amongst the pure white coral sand beaches

或者 在純淨的白色珊瑚沙灘上漫步，

considered by many to be the most beautiful in the south pacific.

許多人認為他們是 南太平洋上最美麗的沙灘。

The island is ringed by a reef,

此島嶼被環狀珊瑚礁給包圍

creating a series of lagoons many of which are perfect for swimming,

形成一系列美麗的潟湖， 這當中有許多地方

boating and snorkelling.

都很適合游泳、划船和浮潛。

Take a safari tour inland where mountain trails criss-cross

往內陸方向深入探索 那裡有縱橫交錯的登山步道

the volcanic centre

穿過火山中心，

and enjoy fresh tropical fruits

品嚐許多新鮮的熱帶水果

like guava

像是番石榴

and jackfruit.

和菠蘿蜜。

Learn to open a coconut like the locals

向當地人學習如何打開椰子

or enjoy a locally brewed beer at the Matutu Brewery.

或者來杯馬塔圖釀酒公司 在當地釀造的啤酒。

There is a saying in the Cook Islands,

庫克群島有句話說

”Kiriti maro tai,”

「Kiriti maro tai」

which means there's no such thing as a stranger.

意思是這裡沒有陌生人這種說法。

Experience true Cook Islands hospitality at a progressive dinner,

享用漸進式晚餐 深入體驗庫克群島的熱情好客，

where you’ll be welcomed with a new course at three different island homes.

您將在島上三個不同居民的家中 享受三道式晚餐。

Experience the magic of many different generations living under one roof,

體驗在同一個屋簷下生活 各個不同世代的魅力，

be serenaded by ukuleles and guitars and try Ika Mata,

在烏克麗麗和吉他的伴奏下 品嚐當地美食

a local delicacy.

「伊卡馬塔」。

Another place you’ll be welcomed like family is in Church,

另一個讓您感受到如家庭般溫暖的地方 就是教堂了，

where you’ll find almost the entire population of the islands on Sunday mornings.

您會發現 星期日早上，幾乎島上所有的居民都聚集於此。

Early missionaries taught English hymns to the locals,

早期的傳教士 將他們自己的風格

who blended the words into their own style,

融入英文詩歌當中

creating a rhythm that sweeps up to the church rafters.

然後教導給當地人 現在變成了美妙的歌聲，響徹雲霄。

Just a 45 minute flight north of Rarotonga is tiny Aitutaki,

從拉羅湯加島搭飛機，往北，約 45 分鐘 即可抵達名為「愛圖塔基」的小島，

perhaps the most beautiful of all the islands.

它可能是所有島嶼之中最美麗的一個。

Legend has it that this island was settled by a famous seafaring warrior name Ru.

相傳此島是由一個 名為「Ru」的航海勇士所發現。

Visit O’out beach, the tranquil lagoon where he is said to have stepped ashore.

造訪寧靜的潟湖「奧奧圖海灘」 據說這裡就是他上岸的地方。

Discover more island history on a cruise,

乘船瞭解更多關於此小島的歷史

where the Aitutakian love of song,

並觀賞愛圖塔基人

dance and storytelling takes centre stage.

唱歌、跳舞和說故事等表演。

Snorkel in crystal clear waters amongst tropical fish

在清澈透明的海水裡浮潛 欣賞美麗熱帶魚和原始珊瑚礁，

and untouched coral reefs and explore smaller,

並探索

deserted islands and atolls.

較小的荒蕪島嶼和環礁。

Like many other polynesian countries,

和其他波利尼西亞的國家一樣，

the Cook Islands is known for delicate handicrafts

庫克群島以其精緻的手工藝品著稱，

that have been an integral part of the culture for centuries.

幾個世紀以來 已成為文化的一部份。

Specialist stores throughout the islands offer fine jewellery

島上還有專賣店 店內販售

made from local black pearls prized for their quality and lustre.

採用品質和光澤極其珍貴的當地黑珍珠 所製成的珠寶首飾。

Or, visit a vibrant local market,

或者，逛逛當地熱鬧的市集，

such as the Aitutaki Markets to purchase beautiful hand painted and screen printed silks and sarongs.

如愛圖塔基市集 您可以購買手繪和網版印刷的美麗絲綢和沙龍圍裙。

A little further afield is Atiu,

再遠一點的地方，就是「阿蒂烏島」

also known as Enuamanu which means

又名「埃努阿瑪努」(Enuamanu)，

“Island of Birds.”

意為「鳥的島嶼」。

This volcanic island rewards adventurers with beautiful secluded coves

這個火山島嶼為冒險家 帶來美麗和僻靜的海灣

and white sand beaches.

和白色的沙灘。

Hike through untouched tropical rainforests and explore the Anatakitaki Caves

徒步旅行穿過原始的熱帶雨林 並探索安納塔基塔基洞穴

as you try to spot the Kopeka

洞穴內有罕見的「金絲燕」

a rare bird that navigates using echoes.

它是一種會利用回音來偵測位置的鳥類。

Another unique offering of Atiu is the fragrant,

阿蒂烏島另一個獨特的產物

locally grown coffee,

就是當地種植的咖啡，

which has been grown on Atiu since it was introduced by early missionaries.

經早期由傳教士引進後 就在阿蒂烏島生長。

Don’t leave this special island without a visit to the Rimau Burial Cave.

離開此特別的小島前， 一定要造訪瑞莫埋葬洞穴。

It is easy to imagine the ritual drum beats

很容易就讓人連想到

that helped lay to rest the spirits of the fearsome Polynesian warriors

葬禮的鼓聲 和被認定在此處長眠

who are believed to lie here.

可怕的波利尼西亞勇士精神。

It has been almost 250 years since Captain Cook became

庫克船長成為 第一位發現這些島嶼的歐洲人後

the first European to discover these islands

已有 250 年的歷史，

and yet there is a gentle timelessness that endures here.

但這裡 仍舊散發著溫柔的永恆魅力。

So, come and discover the generous rhythm

所以，到庫克群島來

and warm hospitality of the Cook Islands for yourself.

親身體驗當地人的 宜然自得和熱情溫馨。