One Foot Islet , Aitutaki
Aitutaki
COOK ISLANDS
Rarotonga
Pacific Ocean
Arecra
Atai
Getting there : Rarotonga is approximately 25 hours from the UK ( via Los Angeles ). Aitutaki is around 45 minutes ’ flight from Rarotonga .
Best time to go : Thanks to the tropical climate it is generally pleasantly warm and sunny throughout the year . June to August are the cooler months , whilst November to March marks the warmer season , although tropical showers can be expected .
A mesmerising tropical idyll , both remote and accessible , modern and traditional
The 15 islands of the Cooks lie halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii in the centre of the Pacific Ocean ’ s Polynesian Triangle . A mix of volcanic islands and coral atolls , the Cooks are a castaway ’ s paradise with deserted powder-white beaches fringed with swaying palms and warm , translucent lagoons teeming with marine life . Rarotonga is the beating heart and hub of the Cooks , and while it may be the island most up to speed with the modern world , it still retains a traditional Polynesian charm . Just over 20 miles in circumference it ’ s stunningly picturesque with no traffic lights , no McDonald ’ s and no building taller than a coconut tree . For an insight to island life , hire a scooter , car or bicycle and explore , or hop on the island bus - whichever way you go there are villages , beaches and fields of fruitladen trees . If you crave soft adventure , join a cross-country trek to traverse the island ’ s inland mountains which lead to the iconic rocky outcrop known as ‘ The Needle ’. Secluded and romantic , Aitutaki is the Cooks ’ second most-visited island and is a place to look forward to languid leisurely days amid jawdropping surroundings . The island curls gently around a vast turquoise lagoon which is enclosed by a ring of coral and scattered with dreamy uninhabited motus ( islets ). Have fun on the lagoon by kayaking to a deserted white sand beach , heading out on a glass bottom boat , hiring a boat and setting a course for Maina , Honeymoon Island , where you can get your passport stamped at the world ’ s smallest post office or , simply don a snorkel and marvel at the colourful fish , turtles and coral clusters .
UNMISSABLE COOK ISLAND EXPERIENCES
Get more out of your stay . Prices are per person
AVARUA HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR , RAROTONGA from £ 29
Make your own way to Trader Jacks in Avarua to join a 90 minute informative walking tour . This leisurely paced tour , in the company of a knowledgeable guide , traces the Cook Islands history from the Polynesian settlement of Rarotonga to the discovery and colonisation by New Zealand , the missionaries and through to independence .
REEFMAN TOUR , RAROTONGA from £ 49 ( includes lunch ) This tour begins with the preparation and covering of the seafood umu ( earth oven ) on the beach , whilst the Reefman tells you how the Cook Islanders use this area as a food supply . Weather and tide permitting , you ’ ll spend some time fishing with a bamboo rod along the reef edge ( all catches are released ) and then time to swim and freshen up before the umu is lifted for your kaikai ( meal ). Enjoy some storytelling , demonstrations on how to prepare iconic local seafood , beach hat weaving and more .
STANDARD LAGOON CRUISE , RAROTONGA from £ 58 ( includes lunch ) This fantastic half day tour takes you to Muri Lagoon where you can snorkel amongst the lagoon life or watch from the comfort of the glass-bottom boat . Along the way , you ’ ll also enjoy entertainment from the friendly crew and feast on a delicious fish BBQ on Koromiri islet . A portion of your tour cost goes to a marine conservation fund .
CAPTAIN TAMA ’ S BBQ , RAROTONGA from £ 59
This 4 hour tour is undoubtedly one of the best ways to discover Rarotonga ’ s protected lagoons . Cruise aboard a glass-bottom boat over Muri Lagoon to the marine reserve for some awesome snorkelling with giant clams and colourful tropical fish . Feed the fish before heading to Motu Koromiri for a Raro style fresh fish BBQ whilst you ’ re entertained by the crew .
140 SOUTH PACIFIC prices & offers change constantly - call for today ’ s best available deals !