The Cook Islands are scattered over 2million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean.  They lie in the centre of the Polynesian triangle with Tonga and Samoa to the West and Tahiti to the East.    The fifteen islands are divided into the Northern Group (mainly volcanic) and Southern Group (true atolls). 

The weather in  the Cook Islands is warm and comfortable year round, with temperatures averaging between 25’C to 30’C.  The best time to visit is during the dry season from April to November as the humidity peaks during December to March and it can be uncomfortable.  Severe weather is rare and infrequent during the cyclone season, but be watchful during the period November to March.

RAROTONGA – The main island of Rarotonga boasts a wide range of accommodation from large resort style hotels to self-catering apartments.  A volcanic island which is surrounded by a turquoise lagoon and fringing reef, visitors have the opportunity for swimming, snorkelling, nature walks, sailing and fishing.  Rarotonga is almost entirely surrounded by a coral reef, ensuring its protected beaches are idyllic. 

Edgewater Resort Rarotonga

The capital, Avarua is located on the main island of Rarotonga and is the commercial centre and main port of the Cook Islands.   This tropical town offers a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes and has a great nightlife scene with over 20 bars to visit.  Head to the Punanga Nui Market each Saturday morning where the Avarua  township comes to life with stalls selling locally crafted souvenirs, Cook Island food specialties, sarongs and island music.    

As the island is only 32 kilometres in circumference, it is easy to get around by hiring a scooter, car or jeep, or take a ride on the ‘island bus’.   If you rent a vehicle, you will need to head for the police station in Avarua to obtain a current Cook Islands driver’s licence.  The Island Bus offers reliable and low cost local transport.  Weekday services run every half hour in each direction around the islands, less frequently on weekends.  Bus stops are dotted around the island but wave to the driver if you want to hail the bus outside a scheduled stop.   At night, hook up a ride on the ‘Raro by Night’ bus which takes you to the local floorshows, restaurants, clubs and bars.

Muri Beach on the east coast of Rarotonga is the busiest stretch of beach on the islands and offers lots of beach activites, restaurants, beach bars and can become crowded on the weekends when the locals get together.  Muri Lagoon has a sandy bottom which is great for swimming, but not snorkelling.  You can reach uninhabited islets facing Muri by wading out at low tide, or renting a kayak at high tide.   Muri beach is the key centre for watersports – sailing, windsurfing and snorkelling.  Head to the Watersports Centre, just near the sailing club, for all your equipment.

Muri Beach Club Hotel Rarotonga

The north-east coast offers impressive mountain scenery and it is quiet, however the pebble beaches are not the best for swimming or sunbaking.  The south coast offers quiet picturesque beaches and the snorkelling is generally the best found on the island.  Arorangi Village is located on the west coast and the sandy beach is great for swimming at high tide and  reef walking at low tide.  Head over to this side of the island to view spectacular and romantic sunsets.

If you prefer more laid back water activities, relax aboard a lagoon sunset cruise or take a glass bottom boat trip over the Rarotonga Reef.  For the more adventurous, head out to the edge of the Reef and explore caverns, swim throughs, plunging walls and spot a variety of marine life – the visibility ranges up to 60 metres.  

Back on land, there are a range of great day tours available – Island Discovery Tours;  4WD safaris;  quad bike adventures; Circle Island Tours and Cultural Tours.  Head to the 9 hole Rarotongan Golf Club and hire clubs for a round; or the Bowling Club welcomes visitors at the ‘Saturday Roll-Up’ where you can play on their international standard green.

Search our range of  hotels in Rarotonga here.

AITUTAKI – 240 kilometres north of Rarotonga, or a short 50 minute flight, Aitutaki is famous for its large turquoise lagoon and spectacular marine life.  It is the most popular of the outer islands.  Swimming, snorkelling, sailing and cruising on the crystal clear waters are highlights of your time in Aitutaki.  Accommodation varies from resort style to basic self-contained units. 

Pacific Resort Aitutaki

You can hire a motor scooter or bicycle to get around the island as there are no public transport options.   Hike to the top of Muangapu for panoramic views of the island.

Search our range of hotels in Aitutaki here.

ATIU & MANGAIA – are highly recommended for those wanting to discover more traditional Cook Islands culture and beauty, both offer basic accommodation choices.  You can explore the limestone caves on Atiu.

A holiday in the Cook Islands is for everybody.  It is a relaxing family holiday, romantic honeymoon and a great place to get married.