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Cook Islands Holidays Made up of 15 islands in the heart of the South Pacific, the Cook Islands are relatively unspoiled by tourism and offer a unique and relaxed paradise yet to be discovered by the masses.

Good to know:

  • Population: 17,564
  • Capital: Avarua District
  • Local Food: Ika Mata
  • Best time to visit: dry season between April and November
  • Events not to be missed: 

Must see and do:

  • Village tour and cultural show
  • Aitutaki Lagoon
  • Cross-Island Hike to Te Rua Manga (The Needle), Rarotonga
  • Muri Beach, Rarotonga

With a pleasant year round climate, the Cook Islands are a great destination to visit at anytime of year. Picture yourself lying back in a hammock under swaying palm trees, the warm breeze blowing through your hair, the soft white sand tickling your toes and the sound of the South Pacific Ocean gently lapping on the shore, lulling you into a state of utter bliss – the Cook Islands offer the deserted island experience of your dreams.

The main and largest island is Rarotonga. At only 32 kilometres in circumference, it is easily explored by scooter. Made up of dense jungle with iridescent green, craggy mountain peaks running through its centre, powdery white sand beaches and encircled by a reef; Rarotonga’s highlights are in its waters. Its shallow lagoon is perfectly suited to snorkelling, with a vast array of colourful marine life while the deeper waters offer diver’s canyons, caves, tunnels and plenty of vibrant coral. Try your hand at deep sea diving or skim across the top of the water on a kayak or paddleboard, in search of turtles and secret islands. Swim in the warm waters or relax on the beach.

On land you can hike through jungle, cycle around the islands or join the locals on the bus that loops the island from morning until late evening. Head to the Punanga Nui Markets for some local culture and craft, experience the harmonious chorus of singing in church on a Sunday, enjoy a progressive dinner tour where you’ll dine in the villages and homes of local families and meet the generations all living under the one roof or pop into an open-air bar and mix with the friendly locals for a night of drinking and dancing.

The second most visited island is the spectacular Aitutaki, sitting on top of one of the world’s largest coral lagoons. Brimming with marine life including giant clams, Aitutaki is the definition of tropical paradise and the perfect spot for a secluded and romantic escape. A 45 minute flight from Rarotonga will have you touching down on this heavenly island where there is little more to do than relax on the stunning beaches, explore the warm surrounding waters, discover the 15 uninhabited islets or motus which fringe the lagoon, and dine on delectable seafood and locally grown fruit and vegetables.

More Information on Cook Islands

The Cook Islands at a Glance

The Cook Islands sit at the quieter end of the South Pacific, well away from the resort sprawl of bigger destinations. Rarotonga is the main island, wrapped in jungle-covered peaks and surrounded by a warm, sheltered lagoon. Aitutaki, a short flight north, is home to a lagoon so striking that it will leave you in awe. The pace is slow, the water is warm, and the Polynesian culture is deeply woven into daily life. It is the kind of destination perfect for people who want to disconnect rather than tick things off a list.

Cook Islands Holiday Packages

Our Cook Islands holiday packages can cover flights, accommodation and transfers, with options to include meals, touring and inter-island flights. We can set you up with a week in Rarotonga, a split between Rarotonga and Aitutaki, or a longer stay if you want to properly settle in.

All-Inclusive Cook Islands Holidays

Several resorts in Rarotonga and Aitutaki offer all-inclusive options that cover meals, drinks and activities in the nightly rate. For a destination where restaurants are spread out and getting around involves a bit of planning, having everything included at your resort makes the trip feel genuinely effortless. Our team can match you with the right all-inclusive Cook Islands resort and holiday based on your budget and the kind of experience you are after, from beachfront bungalows to lagoon-view suites.

Rarotonga and Aitutaki

Rarotonga is the starting point for most Cook Islands holidays. The island is compact enough to loop by scooter in 45 minutes, but there is more depth here than the size suggests. On any given week you could find yourself browsing the Saturday morning Punanga Nui markets, trekking up to Te Rua Manga, snorkelling the lagoon straight off the beach, or watching traditional dance performances after dark.

Aitutaki is the one most people dream about. The lagoon stretches out in every shade of blue imaginable, dotted with uninhabited sand islets you can wade or kayak to. A day tour or a few nights here is the kind of thing you will still be talking about years later. Flights from Rarotonga take about 50 minutes, and we can include them in your package.

FAQs

When is the best time to visit the Cook Islands?

April to November is the most popular window, with warm, dry conditions ideal for lagoon days and reef snorkelling. If you prefer fewer crowds and do not mind the occasional tropical downpour, December to March brings lower prices and a quieter feel across both islands.

How do I get to the Cook Islands from Australia?

From Sydney, total travel time is about eight hours. From Melbourne or Brisbane, expect a similar journey. Adelaide travellers will usually add a domestic connection, bringing the total to around ten hours.

What is there to do in Rarotonga?

Swimming and snorkelling straight off the shore, the jungle trek up to Te Rua Manga (The Needle), the weekly Punanga Nui markets, cultural village tours, paddleboarding and island night dance performances. There is also a growing food and cocktail scene around Avarua and the south coast.

Is the Cook Islands good for a honeymoon?

Absolutely. Aitutaki's lagoon is one of the most romantic settings in the Pacific, and Rarotonga has boutique resorts built for couples. The combination of seclusion, natural beauty and Polynesian hospitality makes it a strong honeymoon destination.

How can I book a Cook Islands holiday?

Whether you want a single-island Rarotonga stay or a Rarotonga-Aitutaki combination, our team can put the whole thing together. Give us a call or lodge an enquiry online and we will take it from there.