The Cook Islands are a self-governing island group in free association with New Zealand, in the South Pacific Ocean. Hawaii lies about 4500 km (about 2800 mi) to the north, and New Zealand is about 2600 km (about 1600 mi) to the southwest. A former colony of New Zealand, the Cooks gained self-government in 1965. Avarua, the capital, is located on the island of Rarotonga.
The Cook Islands are a self-governing island group in free association with New Zealand, in the South Pacific Ocean. Hawaii lies about 4500 km (about 2800 mi) to the north, and New Zealand is about 2600 km (about 1600 mi) to the southwest. A former colony of New Zealand, the Cooks gained self-government in 1965. Avarua, the capital, is located on the island of Rarotonga.