Cook Islands
Why Visit Cook Islands?
Scattered through the South Pacific Ocean, these tropical islands are the perfect places to visit when you just need a break from the world. With clear lagoons, perfect beaches and an abundance of palm trees, visiting the Cook Islands is like stepping into a postcard or tourism brochure.
Rarotonga in the Cook Islands is a favourite with New Zealanders and is the starting point for everyone visiting the beautiful country. Aitutaki, Rarotonga’s smaller neighbour, is a picture-perfect honeymoon destination.
The other islands are less developed and don’t have the same infrastructure as Raro and Aitutaki – and definitely no luxury resorts! Instead, spend your days surrounded by stunning scenery, enjoy the fresh fruit and fish and go snorkelling or diving to marvel at the colours of the tropical fish.
Tucked away in the heart of the South Pacific, the Cook Islands are a 15-isle paradise that blend natural beauty, cultural richness, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Surrounded by 1.9 million square kilometers of protected ocean, this archipelago is one of the most pristine marine environments in the world—home to vibrant coral reefs, endangered turtles, dolphins, and reef sharks. With the creation of Marae Moana, the largest marine conservation area of its kind, the Cook Islands is a true leader in eco-conscious travel.
On land, the experiences are equally captivating. In Rarotonga, palm-fringed beaches lead to rainforest-draped mountains, explored best by bike or hiking with local guides. Markets bustle with music, crafts, and flavors—especially the Punanga Nui Market, where you’ll discover everything from black pearls to spicy coconut dressings. For immersive tastings, progressive dinners take you into island homes for homemade dishes like ikamata and umu-cooked taro.
Over on Aitutaki, a Vaka cruise brings you face-to-face with dazzling lagoons and the surreal white sand of One Foot Island. Meanwhile, coral gardens, sea turtles, and reef fish await under the surface—best discovered by snorkel or motorized scooter.
Stunning accommodations like the Little Polynesian Resort and Pacific Resort Aitutaki offer beachfront luxury with a light footprint. Relax in hammocks strung between palms or enjoy a fresh coconut after sunrise yoga on a paddleboard. For a cultural connection, experience local storytelling, coconut tree climbing, or sarong-tying lessons on a lagoon cruise.
Whether you’re here to relax, explore, or connect with Polynesian heritage, the Cook Islands offer soulful, sustainable adventures in one of the Pacific’s most breathtaking settings.
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