Things To Do
in Cook Islands
The Cook Islands is a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand, located in the South Pacific Ocean. Comprising 15 islands, the Cook Islands are known for their stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Rarotonga, the largest island, serves as the administrative and commercial center, while Aitutaki is famous for its beautiful lagoon and coral reefs.
The population predominantly identifies as Māori, and the islands promote a rich cultural heritage through traditional dance, music, and crafts.
- "Kia ora" - Hello
- "Haere mai" - Welcome
- "Ka kite" - See you
- "Tēnā koe" - Thank you
- "Māori ora" - Be well
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $70 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing swim at Muri Beach. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local café overlooking the lagoon.
Take a guided snorkel tour to explore the vibrant coral reefs. Experience the rich marine life and incredible underwater scenery.
Enjoy a traditional Tahitian dance performance at a beachfront restaurant. Savor local cuisine while the sun sets over the calm waters.
Catch a boat to Aitutaki, known for its stunning lagoon. Take in the breathtaking views during your journey.
Relax on the white sandy beaches of Aitutaki or go kayaking in the lagoon. Don't forget to explore the nearby motus (islet).
Dine at a beachside restaurant with fresh seafood. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and stargaze by the water's edge.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty with crystal-clear waters and lush landscapes.
- Rich cultural heritage and friendly, welcoming locals.
- Ideal for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, diving, and hiking.
- Generally a peaceful and tranquil environment with low crime rates.
- Unique opportunities for eco-tourism and sustainable living.
- Limited access to healthcare and other essential services.
- High cost of living, especially for imported goods.
- Transportation can be challenging, with infrequent flights and ferries.
- Vulnerability to natural disasters, such as cyclones and rising sea levels.
- Limited job opportunities, particularly for skilled professionals.
Best Activities in Cook Islands
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life in the crystal-clear waters of the Cook Islands.
Trek through lush tropical forests and enjoy breathtaking views from the island's various hiking trails.
Paddle through the calm lagoons and discover hidden coves and beaches while enjoying the scenic surroundings.
Experience the tranquil waters of the lagoons and get a workout while taking in the stunning scenery.
Take a boat tour to explore the other beautiful islands of the Cook Islands, each with its unique charm.
Try your hand at fishing in the rich waters around the islands, with options for both deep-sea and shore fishing.
Participate in guided tours to learn about the local culture, traditions, and history of the Cook Islands.
Unwind on the stunning beaches, soak up the sun, and enjoy the warm sea breeze.
Dive deeper to discover shipwrecks, underwater caves, and the diverse marine ecosystem of the area.
Rent a bike and cycle around the islands to see the sights and enjoy a leisurely day outdoors.
Tours
Uncover the best of Cook Islands with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Cook Islands
Visit one of these nice places.
Known for its stunningly clear turquoise waters and motu (small islands), Aitutaki Lagoon offers breathtaking panoramic views and excellent photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
This iconic rock formation on Rarotonga provides a challenging hike that rewards adventurers with spectacular views of the island and surrounding ocean, perfect for capturing stunning landscapes.
Famous for its postcard-perfect scenery, One Foot Island features white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts and travelers alike.
A popular location for both locals and tourists, Muri Beach offers a picturesque setting with its calm lagoon, surrounding palm trees, and stunning sunsets, ideal for photography.
Located on Rarotonga, Black Rock is known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. It's a great spot for capturing impressive ocean views and enjoying the local ambiance.
Food in Cook Islands
Cook Islands Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Cooks Islands dish made with raw fish marinated in coconut cream and lime juice, mixed with diced vegetables. It's a refreshing and delicious appetizer often found at beachside restaurants.
Must-Try!
Grilled fish marinated in local herbs and spices, served with a side of taro or sweet potatoes. It's a fantastic representation of local cooking methods.
A traditional underground oven meal featuring a variety of meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones. It's often served at special gatherings.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Cook Islands better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in Avarua, this bustling market is open on Saturdays and offers a wide range of local produce, fish, and handmade products. It's a great place to sample street food like banana roti and fresh fruit.
A lively market in Arorangi where you can taste various street foods, including poke and freshly made coconut cream desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When greeting someone in the Cook Islands, it is customary to use a friendly handshake accompanied by a smile. In some cases, a kiss on the cheek may be appropriate, especially among close friends or family.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting churches or local community events. While casual beachwear is acceptable in tourist areas, it is advisable to wear more formal attire when attending cultural ceremonies or gatherings.
Show respect for local customs and traditions, which are an integral part of life in the Cook Islands. It is important to seek permission before taking photos of people or participating in cultural events, as some traditions may be sacred or private.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Cook Islands with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Cook Islands
Ensure a smooth experience
In the Cook Islands, tipping is not a common practice and is generally not expected. Service charges are often included in the bill at restaurants and other service establishments. However, if service has been exceptional, small tips may be appreciated, but they are not mandatory. Visitors are encouraged to follow local customs and ask locals about any specific tipping norms.
In the Cook Islands, the New Zealand dollar is widely accepted, and businesses typically prefer cash transactions. Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is wise to carry cash for smaller vendors. The Cook Islands also have ATMs available, but it's advisable to check with your bank regarding foreign transaction fees. In New Zealand, various payment methods are accepted, including cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payments. Contactless transactions are popular, and most businesses are equipped to handle electronic payments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Cook Islands.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is the warmest time of year in the Cook Islands, with temperatures averaging between 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F). Expect vibrant marine life, ideal for snorkeling and diving. It can be humid, and occasional tropical rains may occur, but this is also a great season for beach activities and festivals.
Autumn sees milder temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F). This is generally a drier season with less humidity, making it a comfortable time to explore the islands. Expect fewer crowds and beautiful scenery as the foliage begins to change, providing excellent opportunities for hiking.
Winter is cooler, with temperatures dropping to between 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). This is the off-peak tourist season, and while it is generally dry, occasional rain may still occur. It's a great time to experience the culture and local lifestyle without the crowds, as well as to see birdlife and whales along the coast.
Spring temperatures start to rise, averaging between 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 81°F). This season marks the beginning of the tourist influx as the weather becomes warmer and more pleasant. Expect blooming flowers and lively local events, along with favorable conditions for water activities and experiencing local markets.
Cook Islands at Night
Hiking in Cook Islands
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Rarotonga offers a variety of hiking trails through lush rainforests, beautiful valleys, and along stunning coastlines. Popular trails include the Cross-Island Track, leading from Muri to the interior mountain, and the Avatiu Valley Trail.
This scenic trek takes you around Aitutaki's stunning lagoon. While not a traditional hike, walking along the beaches and the various islets offers an incredible opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Located on the island of Aitutaki, this hike provides spectacular panoramic views of the lagoon and the surrounding islands after a moderate climb.
A picturesque hike that leads from the beautiful Titikaveka Beach to a stunning waterfall, taking in the coastal scenery and lush vegetation along the way.
A popular hiking destination on Rarotonga, the trail to The Needle offers challenging terrain and rewards hikers with breathtaking views from the summit.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Cook Islands through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Cook Islands by plane.
The main airport serving the Cook Islands, located in Rarotonga, it connects the islands to major international destinations.
New Zealand's largest and busiest airport, located in Auckland. It serves as a major gateway to and from the Pacific region, including the Cook Islands.
Located in the capital city of New Zealand, Wellington Airport serves both domestic and international flights, offering connections to the Cook Islands.
Located in Christchurch, it connects the South Island of New Zealand with various international destinations, including services to the Pacific.
While not in New Zealand, LAX is a significant international hub with flights to Rarotonga, serving as a potential access point for travelers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand, forming a significant demographic group in the Cook Islands.
People of European descent, often linked to the colonial history of New Zealand and the Cook Islands.
Includes various ethnic groups from the wider Pacific region, contributing to the multicultural landscape of the Cook Islands.
A demographic group consisting of individuals from Asian backgrounds, increasingly present in the Cook Islands.
Includes a mixture of various ethnicities not classified in the main demographic groups.
The Soul of Cook Islands
Discover the essence of Cook Islands through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is a highly popular sport in the Cook Islands, with many local teams and competitions. The Cook Islands Rugby Union oversees the sport, and there's a strong passion for both rugby league and rugby union.
Netball is widely played in the Cook Islands and is a popular sport among women and girls. The sport is organized at various levels, including schools and local clubs.
Football, or soccer, is increasingly popular in the Cook Islands, with local leagues and grassroots initiatives promoting the sport among youth.
Basketball has a growing following in the Cook Islands, with community courts and local tournaments fostering interest in the sport.
Va'a is a traditional sport in the Cook Islands, with an emphasis on canoeing and racing in outrigger canoes, which is a significant part of the culture and heritage.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cook Islands.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Cook Islands cuisine is often meat-centered, many places offer vegetarian dishes, especially in tourist-friendly restaurants and cafes. Look for plant-based options like vegetable curries and salads.
Vegan dining options are gradually increasing, primarily in the more touristic areas. Ensure to communicate your needs at restaurants; many chefs are accommodating to create vegan versions of traditional dishes.
Gluten-free options are available at various eateries. It's recommended to check with the staff regarding menu items and their preparation methods.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Cook Islands with these cultural adventures.
