COOK ISLANDS
COOK ISLANDS
Aitutaki
Aitutaki Lagoon
Avarua Rarotonga
Aroa Beach
COOK ISLANDS
Muri Beach
Pacific Ocean
Arecra
Atai
One Foot Island , Aitutaki
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 little paradise for doing as much or as little as you like
This family of 15 islands 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 Cook Islands are a castaway ’ s delight with deserted powderwhite 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 that is 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 or hop on the island bus - whichever way you go there are villages , beaches and fields of fruit-laden 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 relish languid leisurely days amid jaw-dropping 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 ). Fill your days kayaking to deserted white sand beaches , viewing the underwater world from a glass bottom boat , or don a snorkel and get a close up view of the colourful fish , turtles and corals . If time allows , hire a boat and set a course for Maina , Honeymoon Island , to have your passport stamped at the world ’ s smallest post office !
© Credit Alisha Street @ myrarotonga , Cook Island Tourism © David Kirkland , Cook Island Tourism
UNMISSABLE COOK ISLANDS EXPERIENCES Get more out of your stay . Prices are per person
AVARUA HISTORICAL WALK from £ 32
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 .
STANDARD LAGOON CRUISE from £ 58 ( inc BBQ lunch ) Transfer from your hotel for a fantastic half day tour taking 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 , feast on a delicious fish BBQ on Koromiri islet , watch an amazing coconut tree climbing show and more . A portion of your tour cost goes to a marine conservation fund . .
PROGRESSIVE DINNER from £ 61 ( includes dinner ) Transfer from your hotel and venture out to nearby villages to experience true Cook Islands cuisine , hospitality and the real spirit of culture and lifestyle . Enjoy a three course meal , with each course served in a different local home . Explore the tropical garden that the host of the first course has to offer before travelling to your main course where you will be treated to a buffet feast , similar to what you ’ d expect at a large Cook islands family gathering . Then your dessert host will delight you with local sweets and fruit as well as tea and Atiu Island brewed coffee .
SNORKELLING LAGOON CRUISE from £ 67 ( inc BBQ lunch ) This half day adventure begins with an included transfer from your hotel to Muri Beach , where you ’ re welcomed by traditional Cook Island drums as you board the glass bottom boat . Travel to the marine reserve for some awesome snorkelling amidst giant clams and colourful fish . Continue to Motu Koromiri for a fresh fish BBQ accompanied by the sounds of the crew ’ s string band .
© Derek Smith , Cook Island Tourism © David Kirkland , Cook Island Tourism
140 SOUTH PACIFIC prices & offers change constantly - call for today ’ s best available deals !