Get ready to live out all of your castaway dreams in the pristine Cook Islands, the South Pacific’s best-kept secret. We won’t blame you if you haven’t heard about this tropical oasis, as this archipelago of remains largely off the tourist radar.
Yet, the Cook Islands has everything you’d hope to find in Polynesia, from translucent turquoise lagoons and golden palm-fringed beaches to dramatic volcanic mountains and welcoming Island culture. Plus, with all-new direct flight routes from Sydney to Rarotonga, reaching this hidden gem has never been easier.
Does this sound like the holiday destination for you? Make planning a breeze with our guide to the Cook Islands.
Where are the Cook Islands?
The Cook Islands are an archipelago of 15 idyllic islands, scattered across the heart of the South Pacific, approximately halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii. The main island, Rarotonga, is easily accessed on a direct 5.5 hour flight from Sydney, which flies three times a week. Rarotonga is where you’ll find many of the island’s most popular beaches, restaurants and tourists attractions.
However, the second most visited island, Aitutaki, is well worth a visit. Dotted with 21 tiny motu, or islets, Aitutaki is home to the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Lagoon’, whose cerulean waters need to be seen to be believed! Getting between Rarotonga and Aitutaki is as simple as jumping on a short domestic flight with national carrier, Air Rarotonga.
When to go to the Cook Islands
Truth be told, there’s no bad time to visit the Cook Islands – this tropical oasis enjoys a warm and sunny climate year-round. High season is between April to November, with temperatures averaging at around 26°C.
November to March marks the warmer season in the Cook Islands, so expect slightly higher humidity and occasional rainfall. But don’t be put off by the prospect of rain – it’s typically only a brief tropical shower in the morning or afternoon! However, many say that the best time to visit the Cook Islands is in the shoulder months of April, May, September and October, which strike the perfect balance of warm temperatures and dry skies.
Where to stay in the Cook Islands
Most visitors to the Cook Islands stay on Rarotonga, however beautiful Aitutaki is also well worth an extended stay. Whichever island you choose (and we recommend doing both), here are five of our favourite resorts in the Cook Islands.
Sanctuary Rarotonga On the Beach
If you’re looking for a resort that has it all, Sanctuary Rarotonga On the Beach is the obvious choice. Set directly on the sun-drenched Aroa Beach, this resort is just steps away from the crystalline waters of Aroa Lagoonarium Marine Sanctuary, considered Rarotonga’s premier snorkelling destination. Here, you can enjoy a range of exceptional facilities, including a restaurant and bar, a swimming pool and a spa, and get into the island spirit with an exciting roster of daily activities.
Pacific Resort Rarotonga
Positioned on 5.5 acres of manufactured beachfront on Muri Beach, Pacific Resort Rarotonga offers accommodation in the thick of the action. As the tourist hotspot of Rarotonga, Muri is within easy reach of several café, restaurant and activity options. Pacific Resort Rarotonga spoils with a range of facilities, including a swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, a spa and a kid’s club, although we bet that you’ll spend most of your time here simply lazing in the turquoise waters of Muri Lagoon.
Motu Beachfront Art Villas
Enjoy a holiday with a difference with a stay at Motu Beachfront Art Villas. Tucked away on the shores of Titikaveka Lagoon, this resort boasts an intimate collection of just 10 self-contained island-luxe villas, allowing you to live like a Rarotongan local. Plus, as the first ‘Art Resort’ in the South Pacific, Motu Beachfront Art Villas showcases an ever-growing collection of works from artists across the Pacific, with a portion of the proceeds supporting artists, education and healthcare in the Cook Islands.
Tamanu Beach Resort
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay on Aitutaki Island, consider Tamanu Beach Resort. Offering direct access to the world-famous Aitutaki Lagoon, take advantage of complimentary water sports equipment to spend your days kayaking through clear blue waters and snorkelling amongst vibrant marine life. Plus, this family owned and operated resort is renowned for its welcoming hospitality, which you can experience for yourself during the weekly Sunday Sunset BBQ and traditional Island Night.
Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort
Set on a secluded 27-acre island, a stay at Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort is nothing short of heavenly. This intimate adults-only resort is home to the only overwater villas in the Cook Islands, along with a range of decadent facilities. Here, you can also enjoy a range of complimentary water sports, including stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkelling, and partake in a daily activities programme that includes everything from fish feeding to cultural demonstrations. Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort is by far your most luxurious option on Aitutaki Island.
What to do in the Cook Islands
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing escape or an action-packed adventure, there’s plenty to discover in this tropical paradise. From beach hopping to exploring inland treasures, here are five of the best things to do in the Cook Islands.
Dive into Aitutaki Lagoon
Home to the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Lagoon’, no visit to the Cook Islands is complete without exploring Aitutaki Island. Like something straight out of a postcard, the glimmering turquoise waters of Aitutaki Lagoon are brimming with tropical fish, vibrant corals and plenty of sea turtles.
To make the most of your time on Aitutaki Island, we recommend joining a lagoon cruise. These tours usually visit a few of lagoon’s motu (islets), including the picture-perfect One Foot Island, where you can get your passport stamped at the smallest post office in the world!
Being a mere 50 minute flight from Rarotonga, Aitutaki Island and its famous lagoon can be seen on a day trip; however, this is a place where you’ll want to linger a little longer, so why not book a multi-island package with My Holiday?
Experience an island night
For a glimpse into the culture and traditions of the Cook Islands, don’t miss out on island night! Find that many of Rarotonga’s resorts and hotels offer this unique experience, however the cultural night at Umu Experience is amongst the best.
Backed by talented drummers from the Manavanui Dance Group, be mesmerised as warriors with painted faces and colourful costumes demonstrate traditional chants and dances. You’ll also get the chance to sample local flavours during an umu feast, where food is cooked in an underground oven.
If you choose to take part in an island night on Aitutaki, you may also be lucky enough to experience the tradition of Aitutakian fire dancing, known to be one of the most impressive spectacles in the Cook Islands.
Relax on Muri Beach
As a tropical paradise, you’ll likely spend most of your time in the Cook Islands by the beach. While the main island of Rarotonga is home to plenty of golden stretches of sand, none are quite as beautiful as Muri Beach.
Whether you like your beach days relaxing or action-packed, there is plenty to enjoy on Muri Beach. Jump into the crystal clear, protected waters of Muri Lagoon, enjoy water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding or work on your tan while lazing on the golden sun-soaked sands.
To see more of Muri Beach and its surrounding lagoon, join a tour with Captain Tamas Lagoon Cruises. Sailing onboard a glass bottom boat, explore several snorkelling spots, enjoy cultural demonstrations from the hilarious local crew and feast on a freshly-cooked BBQ lunch.
Explore Punanga Nui Market
Checking out the Punanga Nui Market is one of the best things to do in the Cook Islands. Located in Rarotonga’s main bustling township of Avurua, this market is best visited on a Saturday morning, when it comes alive with locals and sightseers alike.
Arrive early to get your hands on Rarotonga’s freshest fruit and vegetables, and then enjoy a more leisurely wonder through the stalls selling clothing and souvenirs. Punanga Nui Market is considered one of the best spots to pick up local handicrafts, along with black pearls from the nearby isle of Manihiki.
Plus, Saturdays at Punanga Nui Market play host to live entertainment, including Polynesian songs and dances performed by local children. Put simply, Punanga Nui Market is one of the best places to soak in the colour and vibrancy of life in the Cook Islands.
Head inland on Rarotonga
While the Cook Islands are best known for their pristine beaches and clear lagoon waters, there is so much more beyond the coast. Head inland on Rarotonga and discover jungle-clad mountains, traditional Polynesian villages, cascading waterfalls and sacred historical sites.
At just 32 kilometres in circumference, getting around Rarotonga is easy. Consider hiring a car or motor scooter to explore the island at your own pace – it only takes 45 minutes to circle the entire island, so the odds of getting lost are low.
Alternatively, join Raro Safari Tours on their ‘Inland Round the Island Expedition’, during which you’ll travel on an ancient road and discover the interior charms of Rarotonga on a 4WD land rover. If you want to get off the beaten path in the Cook Islands, this tour isn’t one to miss!
Escape to the Cook Islands with My Holiday
Convinced to make this hidden gem your next South Pacific holiday spot? Make planning your getaway simple by booking with My Holiday. Our Cook Islands Experts have hand-selected the destination’s best resorts, combining them with return flights and exclusive Bonus Value extras, like room upgrades, spa treatments, island experiences and so much more. Taking care of all the planning, all there’s left for you to do is pack!
Find your slice of Cook Islands heaven by exploring our perfectly packaged holidays.
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