Cook Islands Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia
Situated at the very centre of Polynesia, the Cook Islands is an archipelago nation comprised of 15 islands. It is spread across an area in the South Pacific, three times the size of Texas..
Supremely beautiful, with pristine white sands fringed by coconut palms, the Cook Islands possess a castaway island magic and yet is only a four hour flight from New Zealand.
According to legend, these tiny islands, dotted amongst the vast ocean, were discovered thousands of years ago by the very finest Polynesian seafarers. Guided by the stars and using other sophisticated navigation techniques, they landed their legendary double hulled Vakas and set about creating paradise.
It is a rhythm you’ll feel as soon as you touch down in Raratonga, the largest island in the group.
You could easily drive around this sparkling island in half an hour if you hurry, but that’s the charm of the Cook Islands….. no one does.
It has been almost 250 years since Captain Cook became the first European to discover these islands and yet there is a gentle timelessness that endures here.
Come and discover the generous rhythm and warm hospitality of the Cook Islands for yourself.
Cook Islands top 10 things to see & do
Cook Islands lie in the center of the Polynesia triangle. Rarotonga is the most populous island of the Cook Islands. You will be rewarded with natural beauty and colorful experiences! The surrounding barrier reef protects the lagoons and beaches for safe and beautiful swimming and snorkeling.
1. Aitutaki Lagoon - The world's most beautiful lagoon with its clearly blue waters and unforgettable snorkeling!
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2. One foot Island - This is the highlight of the pristine natural beauty of the lagoon. Here you can get your passport stamped at the most isolated post office in the world!
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3. Hiking Te Rua Manga The Needle - Part of the Cross Island track, the views from this mountain are superb. Recommended stay: goo.gl/aZRp0l
4. Snorkeling Muri Lagoon - One of the iconic places on Rarotonga where you can enjoy the views of many tropical fishes in their natural habitat. Fabulous beach house to stayl: goo.gl/gJ8OFg
5. Black Rock Beach - The spectacular black volcanic rocks are surrounded by amazingly white sand, making this a perfect spot for a day at the beach. This place is traditionally believed to be the place where the souls of the dead people commenced their trip to the afterworld. You can stay at this villa: goo.gl/0EuBwi
6. Arorangi Cook Island Christian Church (CICC) - The cultural experience of the Cook Islands won't be complete without attending a church service with gorgeous songs. Stay close at: goo.gl/qlWLRT
7. Ancient and modern canoe circles - This archeological site commemorates the 7 ancient canoes (vaka) that completed the journey to New Zealand. The modern circle commemorates the 6 Polynesian canoes that arrived during the 6th Festival of Arts.
8. Arai te Tonga (marae) - The Island's most important marae, or sacred place. It was used for gatherings and prayers.
9. Highland Paradise (guilty rocks) - Cook Island cultural center, where you can learn about the Cook Island Maori culture and history. The guilty rocks are particularly interesting, as those who committed adultery where forced to carry the very large and heavy stones a certain distance.
10. sunset at Titikaveka Beach - During the day a great spot for snorkeling, and in the evening one of the best places to watch the often spectacular sunset!
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TOP 10 Places to visit in Cook Islands
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10. Maungapu
At 124 m, Maungapu is the highest point on Aitutaki. A short 30-minute hike to the top affords spectacular views over the lagoon and lush, palm-studded landscape. A sign on the road opposite Paradise Cove marks the trailhead, and the track is marked on the free maps available on the island.
9. Aroa Marine Reserve
Sheltered by the outlying reef on Rarotonga's west coast, the crystal clear waters of the Aroa Marine Reserve are excellent for snorkeling. Parrot fish, Moorish idols, wrasse, and angelfish are just some of the species snorkelers might spot here, and the lagoon is off-limits to motorized boats making it especially safe for swimming and snorkeling with small children. Kayaking is also a popular pursuit.
8. Cook Islands Cultural Village
Encompassing five acres of lush tropical gardens, the Cook Islands Cultural Village gives visitors a feel for traditional island life. Coconut husking, cooking, fishing, dancing, carving, weaving, and Maori bush medicine are just some of the activities visitors can learn about on the Cultural Village Tour. The packages include a meal and dance show.
7. Avarua
Situated on the north coast of Rarotonga, Avarua is the capital of the Cook Islands. This relaxed little town has a friendly feel, and visitors will find shops, restaurants, and several tourist attractions here. On Sunday mornings, the sweet strains of Maori hymns waft from the CICC (Cook Islands Christian Church). Dating from 1853, the church is made of coral, and some of the island's most famous people are buried in its graveyard, including the first prime minister of the Cook Islands. The Cook Islands Library and Museum Society houses a collection of rare books on the Pacific, and the museum offers a glimpse of the cultural history of the islands.
6. Arorangi
Arorangi is a small village on the west side of the island. It was the first missionary village on Rarotonga. Today sightseers can visit the Cook Island Christian Churchdating from 1849 and view a monument to the island's first missionary, Papeiha. Arorangi Beach is a beautiful spot to bask on the sand by day and watch the sun sink into the sea at dusk.
5. Cross Island Walk (The Needle)
The cross-island walk is a great way to explore Rarotonga's lush scenery. The trail leads from the north coast up to the pinnacle rock Te Rua Manga and then via Wigmore's Falls to the south coast. The falls are beautiful after heavy rain with a pool at their base, but the cascades slow to a trickle during the dry season.
4. Titikaveka Beach
On the southwest coast of Rarotonga, pretty Titikaveka Beach and lagoon is one of the island's best areas to swim and snorkel. The water is often so clear that swimmers need only stand in the lagoon to spot colorful fish. Snorkelers will find a plethora of marine life around the many coral heads, and the lagoon is dotted with blue sea stars.
3. Muri Beach
On the southeast coast of Rarotonga, Muri Beach or Muri Lagoon, as it is sometimes called, is one of the most popular and picturesque beaches on the island. Crystal clear shallows stretch into dreamy shades of aquamarine, and snorkelers can see coral and many species of tropical fish. Four offshore islets, called motu, shimmer on the horizon, enhancing the beauty of the area.
2. Tapuaetai (One Foot Island)
Fringed by gently curving coconut palms, beautiful Tapuaetai, or One Foot Island as it is more commonly known, is the most visited of Aitutaki's motu, and for good reason. This stunning island is worthy of most people's wildest tropical fantasies. Beach-lovers can bask on its beautiful white sands, wade and snorkel in the turquoise lagoon, and even get their passport stamped at the tiny post office.
1. Aitutaki Lagoon
Aitutaki's main attraction is the large picture-perfect lagoon with translucent turquoise water. Twenty-one small islands (motu) dot the outer edge of the lagoon, some of which can be visited on cruises or tours. Kayaking is also a great way to explore these tiny islets. The small island of Maina in the southwest corner of the lagoon offers excellent snorkeling opportunities and is home to a beautiful sandbar known as Honeymoon Island.
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Cook Islands Tourist Attractions: 11 Top Places to Visit
Planning to visit Cook Islands? Check out our Cook Islands Travel Guide video and see top most Tourist Attractions in Cook Islands.
Top Places to visit in Cook Islands:
Aitutaki Lagoon, Tapuaetai (One Foot Island), Muri Beach, Titikaveka Beach, Cross Island Walk (The Needle), Arorangi Church, Avarua, Cook Islands Cultural Village, Aroa Marine Reserve, Cook Islands Christian Church Arutanga, Avana Harbour
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About the Cook Islands
Two young boys tell you their story about the Cook Islands
Shopping in the Cook Islands
Take home more than memories. With many artisans on Rarotonga and her sister islands, the arts and crafts on offer are treasured and sought after by many. Even the authentic Cook Islands black pearl can be purchased in creative settings pieces.
Katu Kanga - 10 things to do in the Cook Islands
Wondering what the Cook Islands are about? We have Teio and Makea ready to show you what makes a little paradise special for them.
The BEST introduction to the Cook Islands
This videos covers the people, culture, landscape and wildlife that makes the Cook Islands a unique place to visit.
Aitutaki, Cook Islands – The most beautiful lagoon in the world.
This is part of a series of videos on the Cook Islands.
Please check out my others:
Rarotonga, Cook Islands - cut 1
Rarotonga, Cook Islands - cut 2
Atiu, Cook Islands
Mangaia, Cook Islands
Cook Islands in 360°
Mauke, Cook Islands
Mitiaro, Cook Islands
I have also created 360° virtual tours of the Cook Islands and many resorts. You can view them at: LookBeforeYouBookTours.com
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Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Rarotonga, the capital of our friendly little corner of the Pacific, is a very small island at only 32 kms around the outer perimeter. It takes approximately 40 minutes to drive around the island by car or motor scooter, which means all services and amenities on the island are just 20 minutes from wherever you are.
There are only 16,000 of us living in the Cook Islands. 10,000 live on Rarotonga with the rest living on 12 of our 15 islands. We are Polynesian, naturally friendly and openly welcome visitors to our shores like we have been doing for the past millennium or two. Everyone speaks English as well as the native Polynesian language.
Rarotonga is the transport hub of the Cook Islands with frequent connections from New Zealand, Australia, Tahiti, North America (via Los Angeles) and South America (via Tahiti or Auckland).
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Produced by Temaeva Mackenzie (temaevamackenzie1@gmail.com) and Ewan Smith (ewan@airraro.com)