Cook Islands travel guide
Cook Islands Tourism | Cook Islands Guide
You're Going to Love Cook Islands
Secluded in the vastness of the South Pacific Ocean, the Cook Islands are an often untraveled Pacific gem. The country spreads across 15 islands and has some of the most immaculate sandy beaches imaginable. A thriving local population exhibits their Polynesian heritage with pride, as evidenced by Christian songs and woodcarvings. There are limestone caves to discover as well as spectacular coral reefs.
What to do in the Cook Islands
1. Lounge in Muri Lagoon
The crystal-clear blue waters have shallow depths and are ideal for snorkeling, paddle boarding and kayaking. Dense schools of fish navigate the lagoon, while tasty cocktails are served underneath coconut trees on the beach.
2. Hike Across Rarotonga
Taking roughly 3-4h, the Cross-Island track is a rewarding path that takes trekkers through much of Rarotonga's dense forest and passes by gushing waterfalls.
3. Discover the Divided Church
Located in the middle of Mauke, the 19th-century building was once split in two and had separate entrances for two villages on the islands.
4. Shop at Punanga Nui Market
The heartbeat of Avarua is open from Monday to Friday but really comes to life on Saturday mornings. Fresh smoothies and aromatic coffees are available among the jewelry and souvenir stalls.
5. Take a Tour Through the Limestone Caves
Anatakitaki Cave and Rimarau Burial Cave are the best spots, with guided tours that exhibit the razor-sharp limestone stalactites.
When to visit the Cook Islands
Due to its tropical climate, the best period to visit is during the dry season between May and October. Daily temperatures are warm (80-84°F) and any rain that does fall is rather brief.
How to Get to the Cook Islands
Entry requirements
Regardless of nationality, tourists can enter the Cook Islands visa-free for up to 31 days. This can be extended while in the country for a further 31 days, up to a maximum of 6 months.
Plane
All commercial international flights are directed to Rarotonga Airport. Direct services are available from Auckland and Christchurch in New Zealand, Sydney in Australia, and Los Angeles in the United States. The 4h flight from Auckland costs between around 202-326 CKD (135-210 USD) and is operated by Air New Zealand, Jetstar Airways, and Virgin Australia.
Popular airlines serving the Cook Islands
Where to stay in the Cook Islands
Most accommodation on the main islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki are resorts that have honeymoon suites and cozy villas. There is, however, a small collection of backpackers and lodges that have dorms rooms and budget-friendly prices.
Where to stay in popular areas of the Cook Islands
Most booked hotels in the Cook Islands
How to Get Around the Cook Islands
Public Transportation
All of the towns are quite small, meaning there's no public transport as it's easy to walk from one location to another.
Bus
Two routes circle the island of Rarotonga, one in a clockwise direction and the other anti-clockwise. A single fare costs approximately 5 CKD (3.20 USD). Services run in each direction every hour from roughly 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The buses make stops at the airport, Muri beach, Raina beach, and Turoa beach, among others.
Car
Tourists can drive legally with the license from their home country for up to 6 months. Road rules are similar to Australia and New Zealand as cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. Speed limits are capped at 50 kmph (30 mph) and are normally reduced to 30 kmph (20 mph) in towns.
Plane
Domestic flights are the preferred mode of transport between islands with Air Rarotonga offering services to Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Manihiki, Mauke, Mitiaro, Penrhyn, and Pukapuka from Rarotonga. The most common route is between Rarotonga and Aitutaki, priced at roughly 249-311 CKD (160-200 USD).
The Cost of Living in the Cook Islands
A standard lunchtime meal out costs approximately 15 CKD (10 USD) and a domestic beer can be bought for around 9 CKD (6 USD). CKD is priced in alignment with the NZD, and NZD is also accepted throughout the Cook Islands. It is best to withdraw cash from ATMs as hotels and large retail outlets are generally the only places that accept credit card.