A is for Aitutaki. Outside of Rarotonga, this is the most famous of the other 14 islands in the Cooks and can be explored on a day trip.

B is for Boat. Make getting out on one a priority. Two companies - Koka and Captain Tama's - offer excellent lagoon cruises which include snorkelling, lunch, entertainment and education about the local culture. 

G is for Gardens. A small entry fee will get you into the Maire Nui Gardens at Titikaveka - nearly 3ha of tropical botanic gardens with lily ponds and mountain views, and a great cafe, Hidden Spirit.

H is for honeymooners. The Cook Islands is a major wedding destination, especially for New Zealanders, with nearly 700 weddings a year taking place there. Loved-up couples are everywhere.

I is for Island Time. The best approach is a relaxing one. No one minds if you're a bit late, no one cares if you leave early. "I" is also for internet, which you'll struggle to find access to for free. You'll need to pay serious money to run your social media apps, so we advise switching them off or leaving your devices at home.

J is for Jesus. There's not really any escaping him in this deeply religious nation - there are churches everywhere. If you're in the country on a Sunday, get along to a moving 10am service - tourists are very welcome. The harmonious, passionate singing is powerful, and it's a privilege to see the locals dressed up in their finery.

K is for Kiwi. There are so many New Zealanders in the Cook Islands that it feels like an extension of Aotearoa. Cook Islanders speak/understand our accent, they use our money and they share our sense of humour, with their own twist of course. The native tongue is Cook Island Maori, which is obviously very similar to our te reo Maori, so many of the indigenous words sound the same as back home. The friendly greeting of kia orana will remind you of this as soon as you get off the plane.

L is for Lagoon. The second you see it you'll want to be swimming in its inviting clean and warm azure waters. If you're blatting about in a car or on a scooter or push bike, it's hard to keep your eyes on the road.

M is for Muri. One of the nicest and most popular beaches on Rarotonga, Muri is known for watersports and its mile-long expanse of white sand. This is where you'll find many of the island's top resorts, and most of its tourists.

N is for Nightlife. The top hotspots, we're reliably told, are all in Avarua: the legendary Trader Jack's, Rehab, Whatever! and The Staircase. Tik-e Tours offer happy hour cocktail hops on party tuk-tuks.

O is for Orientation. There's only one road you need to worry about in Rarotonga, and that's the 32km one that goes around the outside of the island. The key words here are left and right. The bus service keeps it simple - clockwise or anti-clockwise. It's also worth noting the speed limit is just 50km/h - which drops to 30km/h in Avarua and Muri.

P is for the Punanga Nui Cultural Market. Saturday mornings are the best time to visit, near the Avarua harbour, to browse fresh fruit and vege, gift and art and craft stalls, and see free cultural performances.