The Cook Islands are a world away from Edinburgh in Scotland where best selling author, Ian Rankin lives and his novels about Detective Inspector John Rebus are set. But in this episode, Ian recalls his holiday in the Polynesian paradise. The unspoiled beauty, the friendly locals…and the fish sandwiches and local beer all made a big impression. He also talks about Rebus, why the curmudgeonly cop is unlikely ever to end up there and what might be next for his much loved maverick. It’s a unique and fascinating insight into the an aspect of Ian’s life never before heard.

EXPLORE ALL 15 OF THE COOK ISLANDS
My website is the most detailed guide on the net at Cook Islands complete guide. It's also THE ONLY TOTALLY INDEPENDENT GUIDE ON THE INTERNET with information about each and every one of the 15 islands. My own travels and those of other visitors and islanders themselves combine to provide what I hope you'll enjoy as a unique insight. There's an introduction to the Islands here. Find out...how to get to the Islands and get advice on getting around them. There's at least one page about every island to help you discover what to see and do and what makes it special. There are also a few ideas about what to take home to remind you of paradise. And there are answers to frequently asked questions, a list of the top 10 things to do and some "did you know?" facts.

MY BOOK ABOUT T...

Find out what KUKICAST is all about in this five minute introduction with clips from some of the first episodes. And presenter, John Roberts tells of his passion for this Polynesian paradise in the South Pacific and how this podcast is his way of helping to share it.

EXPLORE ALL 15 OF THE COOK ISLANDS
My website is the most detailed guide on the net at Cook Islands complete guide. It's also THE ONLY TOTALLY INDEPENDENT GUIDE ON THE INTERNET with information about each and every one of the 15 islands. My own travels and those of other visitors and islanders themselves combine to provide what I hope you'll enjoy as a unique insight. There's an introduction to the Islands here. Find out...how to get to the Islands and get advice on getting around them. There's at least one page about every island to help you discover what to see and do and what makes it special. There are also a few ideas about what to take home to remind you of paradise. And there are answers to frequently asked questions, a list of the top 10 things to do and some "did you know?" facts.

MY BOOK ABOUT T...

WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES THE COOK ISLANDS SO SPECIAL? Karla Eggelton definitely knows because she’s lived there all her life and is uniquely placed to tell us as she’s Chief Executive of tourism. In this episode, she gives us a unique insight into the capital island of Rarotonga, its next most visited neighbour, the stunningly beautiful Aitutaki and some of the 13 other islands which make up this Polynesian paradise in the South Pacific. Among them are some of the most remote and unspoiled places on the planet.

Karla explains how new flights are making the Cook Islands easier to get to. She also talks passionately of Cook Islands cultural values, including protecting the environment, caring for each other and how Islanders want to share a love of their homeland with the world. Get some tourist tips too in her answers to a fun quick fire quiz.

This is a must listen if you're thinking about a visit to the Cook Islands or just want to know more about a uniquely special little paradise.

The copyright free music included in this episode is by the fantastic 'Koka Lagoon Boys' of the Cook Islands (search for more them on YouTube)

EXPLORE ALL 15 OF THE COOK ISLANDS
My website is the most detailed guide on the net at Cook Islands complete guide

MY BOOK ABOUT THE ISLANDS
Whether you're planning a visit or just armchair travelling, you'll discover stories of buried treasure, ghostly fire, real-life Robinson Crusoes and the mafia, and a wealth of useful information. 'Around the Corner from Nowhere: The Cook Islands Rediscovered' is available as an ebook (https://getbook.at/Cook_Islands-ebook) or paperback (https://getbook.at/cookislandsbook) through Amazon. All profits are donated to dementia charities.

ABOUT ME
I'm a retired BBC radio and TV journalist and presenter who's been having a long distance love affair with the Cook Islands for nearly 40 years and I've featured in media worldwide as an acknowledged expert on this remote islands nation

CONTACT ME if you'd like to sponsor this podcast or just want to ask questions about the Cook Islands. Email kiaoranawebsiteauthor(at)cookislands.org.uk (Replace “at” with @)