Cook Islands Travel, Sights, and Activities
What to Know about the Cook Islands
Halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii lies the enchanting island nation, the Cook Islands. A stunning paradise of unspoiled natural beauty, the Cook Islands are surrounded by stunning coral reefs, rainforests, caves, waterfalls, and vibrant marine life. If you’re planning a trip, here’s what to know about this heaven at the heart of Polynesia.
A self-governing island state in free association with New Zealand, the Cook Islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean. The 15 small atolls and islands comprising the Cook Islands are spread out over 2 million square kilometres of sea. The administrative seat is Avarua, which is located on the island of Rarotonga.
Due to the Cook Islands being small, the mid-ocean islands are influenced by the southeast trade winds, and the temperatures are typically moderate. On the southern island of Rarotonga, the average annual temperatures hover around 24°C.
With just 18,000 residents, the Cook Islands offer an intimate experience with the friendly local Māori community and stunningly wide open beaches and clear turquoise lagoons. North of Rarotonga, the Aitutaki Lagoon features pristine islets of white sand and coconut trees.
Here, no building exceeds the height of a coconut tree. There are no high-rise hotels, traffic lights, or stop signs — just endless beaches and crystalline waters. It feels like stepping back in time while still enjoying modern comforts.
Each of the 15 islands features a network of roads, with a paved road circling Rarotonga and accessible by public buses. Small aircraft provide regular connections between the larger islands. Ports are located at Rarotonga (Avatiu), Penrhyn, Mangaia, and Aitutaki, though shipping schedules can be unpredictable. Rarotonga also boasts an international airport.
The official currency is the New Zealand dollar and the spoken languages are English (86.4%) and Cook Islands Māori.
Aitutaki Lagoon
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an experienced traveller, The Cook Islands have so much to offer. Here are the top sights to explore in the beautiful Cook Islands.
Aitutaki’s stunning lagoon, teeming with marine life and encircled by 15 palm-covered motu (islets), is a true South Pacific gem. Maina (Little Girl) offers exceptional snorkelling opportunities and is home to the red-tailed tropicbird, once valued for its vibrant crimson feathers.
Nearby, you can explore the wreck of the cargo freighter Alexander, which ran aground in the 1930s. Tapuaeta’i (One Foot Island) is the most famous islet, featuring pristine white beaches and a deepwater channel separating it from its neighbour, Tekopua, which is bustling with colourful tropical fish.
Te Ana O Rakanui
Te Ana O Rakanui, also known as Raka’s Burial Cave, is a historic burial site where the ancestors of the Rakanui family were laid to rest. The cave is said to contain 15 chambers and is guided by the family themselves.
Tours must be arranged in advance through the Atiu Information Centre. Note that the cave is quite confined, so it may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia.
Motuanga
Motuanga, also known as the Cave of 100 Rooms, is a fascinating network of tunnels and caverns located in the island’s southeast. Legend has it that the cave extends beneath the reef and out to sea. It served as a refuge from Atiuan war parties. Access is through a small crawl space leading to a surprisingly compact subterranean atrium, which features an underground pool.
Rangimotia
Rangimotia, often referred to as “the Cave of Rangimotia,” is another notable cave on the island. It’s celebrated for its historical and cultural significance, as well as its impressive natural formations. The cave is associated with local legends and offers a unique glimpse into the island’s heritage. Visitors to Rangimotia can explore its intriguing features and learn about its role in local history.
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Snorkelling
The Cook Islands offer a range of activities that showcase their natural beauty and vibrant culture and scenery.
The breathtaking views of the Cook Islands extend beneath the crystal-clear waters, where an abundance of vibrant and diverse marine life thrives in the lagoons. You can explore the lively coral reefs that encircle the
islands by snorkelling right off the beach
, joining a sea scooter tour, or hopping on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP).
With perfect conditions offering impressive visibility and warm waters year-round, it’s an underwater paradise waiting to be discovered.
The top four snorkelling spots in Rarotonga are:
-Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve
-Muri Lagoon
-Fruits of Rarotonga in Tikioki
-Black Rock
Lagoon Cruises
Dive into our aquatic playground and discover endless ways to enjoy the stunning waters of the Cook Islands. With so much to explore, every day offers a new adventure, and one experience you simply can’t miss is a lagoon cruise!
On the southeastern side of Rarotonga, nestled in the heart of Muri Beach, you’ll find two unforgettable glass-bottom boat tours. These cruises feature snorkelling, live entertainment, a fresh BBQ lunch on an islet, cultural activities, and more.
Aitutaki’s vast lagoon stretches for miles, making it the perfect setting for a once-in-a-lifetime cruise. Visitors flying in on Air Rarotonga’s 50-minute flight from Rarotonga to Aitutaki can explore the pristine lagoon on a day tour with the lively Vaka Cruise crew or opt for an overnight stay to enjoy the island’s many water sports. If you’re planning to stay on the Polynesian island, you can choose from several top-notch lagoon cruises.
Fishing
With crystal-clear waters, tropical temperatures, and pristine reefs that plunge dramatically into the South Pacific Ocean, our little paradise is truly an angler’s dream. Whether you’re casting a line in the shallows or heading out into the deep blue, there’s never a bad time to try your luck here.
Fly fishing, lagoon fishing, spearfishing,
and all types of boat fishing are popular activities. You can drop a line from a kayak or venture beyond the reef on a deep-sea charter to chase yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo.
Diving
Divers are drawn to our little paradise for its exceptional water clarity and vibrant marine life. With temperatures ranging from 23°C to 28°C and visibility reaching up to 60 meters, the underwater world here is a true playground.
Steep oceanic drop-offs, canyons, caves, and walls of coral create a stunning backdrop, while a rainbow of colourful fish adds to the spectacle. Home to over 73 types of live coral and hundreds of fish species, it's a diver’s dream come true.
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