Located in the mysterious South Pacific Ocean, the Cook Islands manage to establish a unique identity among thousands of the other island destinations. Without all of the hustle and bustle of Hawaii yet maintaining all of the beauty and serenity of such locations, the Cook Islands are an ideal island getaway spot.
Here you'll find breathtakingly beautiful scenery, both above and below the water. Embrace the local Maori culture through historic burial sites and modern customs. Whatever you do, don't forget to take a snorkelling or diving trip and leave plenty of vacation days for relaxing by the water. A trip to the Cook Islands is one vacation that you won't need to recover from.
Getting in and around the Cook Islands
Rarotonga Airport
Getting in to the Cook Islands is best done by plane. There are a few stops on the Cook Islands that see traffic from cruise liners, including Rarotonga and Aitutaki. However, the Rarotonga International Airport has enough flights to make air travel quite easy. There are daily flights from Auckland and weekly flights from other places like Fiji and even Los Angeles.
Cook Islands Transport
Air Rarotonga makes getting from island to island fast and easy. This method for getting around Cook Islands can be done through Air New Zealand. However, it is more economical to book your flights directly through Air Rarotonga.
There are also freighters that take passengers to other islands and you can find details about these boats in local newspapers. For getting around on land, scooter hire is a fun and popular mode of transportation. You will need a Cook Island's driver's license to drive a scooter but these can be purchased at the police station.
Rarotonga Car Hire
Cook Island car hire is also a possibility for getting around the island. Car hire is available at the airport and on various islands through trusted companies like Budget and Avis.
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Cook Islands accommodation
In Cook Islands accommodation, there is something for everyone. The luxury and mid-range resorts on the islands are beyond comparison. Yet there are a number of quality budget and backpackers' accommodations on the islands that match the resorts in terms of the quality. You won't have a hard time finding a great place to stay in the Cook Islands.
| Luxury |
- Little Polynesian Resort. The Little Polynesian Resort is elegantly rustic and you'll feel like you're staying in your own private paradise.
- Pacific Resort Rarotonga. You won't be able to find fault with this exquisite resort that makes you feel right at home in these luxurious surroundings.
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| Mid-range |
- The Sunset Resort. The Sunset Resort is the picture of island luxury and is conveniently located on popular Rarotonga.
- Crown Beach Resort. The Crown Beach Resort is touted as the place to see and be seen in Rarotonga and has everything you'd want from a luxury island resort.
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| Budget |
- The Kiikii Motel on Rarotonga is close to all of the action and the friendly staff take every step to ensure you have a pleasant stay.
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| Backpackers |
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Things to do in the Cook Islands
As one of the South Pacific's most beloved island destinations, the Cook Islands have enough things to do to keep any traveler on the go. Explore underwater wonders through snorkelling and diving as well as ancient burial sites of the Maori culture. The Cook Islands have everything you need for the vacation of your dreams.
Rarotonga. Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands and the cultural centre of the entire island network. The capital, Avarua, is a great place for shopping and dining. A trip to the Cook Islands isn't complete without visiting this important island.
Caves at Atiu. The caves at Atiu take you deep into the history of the Maori people. The island features numerous caves that are also ancient burial sites. Te Ana O Raka burial cave is a popular tourist spot that is relatively easy to find on the island but you may need a guides help. This cave is a burial site.
Fishing. Fishing is a popular spot and tourist activity on the Cook Islands. The waters are heavily populated with marlin and tuna for sport fishermen that are in search of a challenge.
Diving and snorkelling. The terrain underneath the water at Cook Islands is just as beautiful as the scenery above water. Underwater canyons and colourful coral make the Cook Islands one of the world's best spots for diving and snorkelling. Titikaveka lagoon is touted as one of the best snorkel spots on Rarotonga.
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Day trips in and around the Cook Islands
Aitutaki. Aitutaki is a popular tourist attraction and a frequent Cook Island stop for cruises. This beautiful, crystal clear lagoon is perfect for a lazy day on the beach, as well as snorkelling, swimming, or fishing.
Atiu. Atiu is the third largest of all of the Cook Islands and an important stop for visitors hoping to explore the history of the local Maori cultures. Atiu also promises gorgeous scenery, beautiful beaches, and excellent hiking.
Horseback riding. Horseback riding is a fun and adventurous way to see the outlying areas around Rarotonga. Complete your day's ride with a trot along the beach and you and your family will be is tourist heaven.
Cruises and boat tours. There is much to see underwater when travelling from one island to the next. You'll want to see what's going underneath you with a glass bottom boat or even jump in the water with your snorkel gear to take in the action yourself. Captain Tama's Lagoon Cruizes is just one service on Rarotonga that offers such cruises and includes snorkel gear and a barbeque lunch.
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