Find out the best things to do, and places to go in Cook Islands. Whether you’re a beach bum or seek action and adventure, Cook Islands is a great place to explore during your next vacation. We have a selection of our best holiday experiences below, that can be added to your holiday adventures.
Aitutaki Lagoon
Aitutaki Lagoon is a highlight of any visit to the Cook Islands, and undoubtedly one of the most memorable sights in the South Pacific with so many lovely fish and corals. The lagoon is so pristine and beautiful with translucent turquoise water. Aitutaki Lagoon is truly a special place that offers many activities, lagoon tours, Aitutaki fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, and more!
Tapuaetai (One Foot Island)
Tapuaetai, or One Foot Island as it is more commonly known, is one of 22 islands in the Aitutaki atoll. It is an uninhabited island and the most visited of Aitutaki’s motu. It is also popular destination for package excursions, so there are always some people here. Beach-lovers can bask on its beautiful white sands, wade and snorkel in the turquoise lagoon.
Muri Beach
Muri Beach or Muri Lagoon is one of the most popular and picturesque beaches of Rarotonga Island. It is located on the southeast coast part of the Island.The clear, shallow water is perfect for beginner snorkelers to explore, revealing countless coral formations and sea cucumbers just steps from the shore.
Titikaveka Beach
Titikaveka Beach and lagoon is one of Rarotonga’s best beaches, located on the southwest coast. Its present popularity is due to the depth of the water providing endless opportunities for snorkelling and swimming activities.Titikaveka lagoon also presents a wide area for kayaking, and small vessel cruising in favourable conditions.
Cross Island Walk (The Needle)
Rarotonga Cross Island Walk is one of the best hikes in the South Pacific. The trail leads from the north coast up to the pinnacle rock TeRua Manga and then via Wigmore’s falls to the south coast. The route is a tough walk along some steep terrain and will take the average hiker about four hours to complete. From the base of the Needle, hikers can enjoy beautiful views over the coast and surrounding forest.
Arorangi
Arorangi is a small village and is one of the five districts that make up the island of Rarotonga. It was the first missionary village of the Island. Today sightseers can visit the Cook Island Christian Church dating from 1849 and view a monument to the island’s first missionary, Papeiha. Arorangi Beach is also a beautiful spot to bask on the sand by day and watch the sun sink into the sea at dusk.
Avarua
Avarua is the capital of the Cook Islands, situated on the north coast of Rarotonga. Avarua is an intoxicating blend of Polynesian culture, natural wonders and a laid-back atmosphere that runs on island time. This relaxed little town has a friendly feel, and visitors will find shops, restaurants, and several tourist attractions here. A must-see is the vibrant Punanga Nui Outdoor Market on the waterfront. Mountains of mangos, pineapples, and passionfruit beckon from the stalls as well as fragrant tropical flowers, vegetables, clothes, and crafts. Avarua is also a hiker’s paradise. The surrounding area teems with wildlife, and even a short trek through the jungle will reveal many waterfalls, fresh water swimming holes and small peaks. There are so much more to do here at Avarua that you will be surprised!
Cook Islands Cultural Village
This tour gives visitors a feel for traditional island life. Your Cook Islands cultural experience includes learning about their Polynesian history, traditional medicine preparation, ancestral fishing and navigation techniques, legends and beliefs. Local artisans and crafts people will also show you how they carve, weave, prepare their local dance costumes and cook their traditional foods. The packages include a meal and dance show.
Aroa Marine Reserve
The Aroa Marine Reserve is another excellent place for snorkelling and diving. It is the Island’s oldest dedicated marine reserve, and hundreds of species of tropical fish gather there to breed each year. This is a real treat for divers, who can swim with thousands of fish, as the turquoise water is clean and clear, and there are no boats to worry about disturbing the marine life.
Arutanga
Arutanga is the main town of Aitutaki. This place is dotted with mango trees and hibiscus flowers. Tourists will find a few craft stores here as well as a quiet harbor. One of the town’s main attractions is the Cook Islands Christian Church. Built in 1828, it’s the oldest in the Cook Islands and one of the most attractive with stained glass windows and colourful carved wooden accents.
Maungapu
Maungapualso known as Mount Maungapu is a hill and the highest point on Aitutaki, standing at 124 metres.A short 30-minute hike to the top affords spectacular views over the lagoon and lush, palm-studded landscape. It’s an easy walk, with a bit of steep terrain at the top. Or if you’re feeling up to it you can hire and mountain bike and give cycling to the summit a go, just be careful in the steep last stretch, and on the way down. Bring plenty of water, insect repellent, and a camera.
Avana Harbour
Avana Harbour is located north of Muri Beach, at the town of Ngatangiia. This place is a popular mooring spot for yachts. This is also where the Maori’s launched their twin-hulled canoes in the 14th century for the journey to New Zealand. Today visitors can view a historical plaque and monument in Ngatangiia commemorating the voyage. Cook Islanders request that visitors refrain from swimming here due to the site’s historical significance.
Cocoputt
Challenge yourself or your friends to a game at Cocoputt (a Sports Activity Location) in Rarotonga Island, an 18-hole mini golf course surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees. Each hole presents a new obstacle without being too difficult for younger visitors. The cafe here offers delicious international foods, like seafood, pasta, and burgers. You can also book the whole place for private functions, such as birthday parties and family gatherings.
Punanga Nui
Check out the Saturday morning market at Punanga Nui Cultural Market. This market offers a friendly ambience that full of handicrafts gifts, vibrant sarongs, and fragrant “EiKatu”(the floral garlands worn by Cook Islanders). You can shop here for organic fruits and vegetables, herbs and fresh flowers. Catch up with friends for breakfast and try their local delicacies. Purchase a unique “Rio hat” a “Black Pearl” or a handmade quilt. This Rarotonga market is an island shopping experience not to be missed. It is located on the coastal road near Avatiu Harbour in Avarua. To get there, take the island bus or wander down from the town centre. It’s is one of the big events of the week and attracts a big cross-section of people.
Cook Islands Whale and Wildlife Centre
The Cook Islands are fortunate enough to have one of the world’s leading whale experts based on Rarotonga. Nan Hauser is internationally acclaimed for her studies and she was the driving force behind the island’s whale centre which is where you can enhance your watching experience by finding out more about these amazing creatures. The Centre allowed locals, tourists and students to learn about the Cook Islands wildlife and the ocean that surrounds them. The Centre gives everyone a better understanding of the country and its interesting history. Every admission helps support the ‘Whale research project’ so you help save Whales and Dolphins! The Centre’s is open Sunday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and only closed on Saturdays. The centre was established in 2000 on the back road of Rarotonga as a memorial to millions of whales who were slaughtered through commercial exploitation.
Bonefish – E2’s Way
Join Bonefish – E2’s Way to try catching some of the world’s largest bonefish in a picturesque lagoon known for boasting rich marine life. This fly fishing operator provides knowledgeable and experienced guides to help you locate and land trophy-sized fish. Bonefish – E2’s Way is locatedon the Island of Aitutaki which is home to some of the world’s largest Bonefish.
Anatakitaki Cave (Kopeka Cave)
Anatakitaki Cave (Kopeka Cave) is Atiu’s most spectacular cave, home of the endemic Kopeka bird. This swift like bird, nests deep within the caverns and navigates in the dark by using an echo locating series of clicks. Afresh-water lake can be also found at the bottom of the cave. The cave is very nicely decorated with white stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones. Enjoy a challenging 30 minute nature walk to the caves with your experienced guide.
Cook Islands Library & Museum
Cook Islands Library & Museum is in northern Rarotonga in the uptown area of Avarua, conveniently located within pleasant parkland of exotic and indigenous trees. The museum is open Monday to Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings. It is a private organization dedicated to the preservation of the history and culture of the Cook Islands. Come here to learn about the fascinating past of this region of more than a dozen islands scattered across the Pacific Ocean.
O’otu Beach
The best beach to visit on Aitutaki is the O’otu Beach with its excellent snorkelling. Located near the airstrip, on this beach you will find the popular hangout of Samade as well as the Ranginui’s Retreat and Josie’s Beach Lodge.
Koteka Winery
When you’re ready to peel yourself away from the beach and go out for a dressy drink on the town, head to Koteka Winery. It is produced and bottled by Dr. George Koteka, Winemaker at Muri, located in Rarotonga. Koteka uses banana as the base for his white wine, often mixing it with other fruits such as pineapple and passion fruit, and uses local berries as the base for his red wine. It is originally produced for home consumption, word spread about how good the wine is and now it’s on the market and available for connoisseurs to sniff and sip. Many people agree the wine is as good as any they’ve tasted.
Black Rock Beach and Nikao Social Centre
Black Rock Beach and Nikao Social Centre represents a historically and culturally important site in Rarotonga. The legend says that human spirits depart from this part of the coastline. At one end of the beach you can find large basalt rocks sitting on the edge of the ocean, serving as convenient and all-natural diving platforms. It is also called a playground for water lovers; the beach offers swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking. The nearby recreational facilities also allow you to play tennis, volleyball, or golf.
Wigmore’s Waterfall
Wigmore’s Waterfall also known as Papua Waterfall is the only waterfall on Rarotonga and is a popular spot for a dip. The falls are fed by a spring which starts higher up the hill. The amount of water depends on the pressure of the water, which in turn depends on how much rain there has been recently. The water is both cold and refreshing, especially given the 30c plus temperature of the day. There are pony treks to the falls, which take you through steamy forests, but be warned; the humid conditions are a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Wreck of the Matai
This wreck is standing not far away from the shore. It is easy to see from the main street by the sea in Avarua town centre. It is the memory of history. This area is now a favourite spot for snorkelling and diving.
Moturakau
This is the island used in the reality TV shows “Shipwrecked” & “Survivor: Cook Islands”. It is one of 22 islands in the Aitutaki atoll, located in the southeast of Aitutaki Lagoon. The uninhabited Moturakau boasts lush natural scenery and blue waters ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and boating. Take a short jungle walk through the island forest and look for various plants and birds.
Takitumu Conservation Area
Takitumu Conservation Area is located in the southeast of Rarotonga. This reserve was created to protect the endangered endemic bird species of the island as well as their habitats. A visit to this area is a must for bird watchers and naturalists alike, who wish to enjoy Rarotonga’s wealth of natural beauty. Takitimu Conservation Area also contains 70% of all the plant species found in inland Rarotonga. If you wish to explore this forest area, you must find an experienced guide to take you through one of the traditional paved tracks.
Hospital Hill Lookout
If you want to go somewhere to look down on Rarotonga then this is a great place to do it. You will need to hire a car or scooter to reach this – or go for a nice hike up the road. Don’t forget to bring your camera and take photos as the views here are fantastic! The sea, the forest and it gives you a glimpse into what typical houses look like in Rarotonga.
Tai’s Weather Rock
Tai’s Weather Rock is located on the beachfront outside Pacific Resort, Muri in Rarotonga. The inscription explains what the weather is doing in the Muri. A sign accompanies this large rock hanging on a rope and tells visitors just how to use it. The instructions include signs of rain (the rock is wet), strong wind (the rock is swinging), and even hurricanes (the rock is gone). Tai’s rock offers free information 24/7.
Cook Islands Coffee Company
Awake to the delicious aroma of freshly roasted coffee and organic breads and pastries on a South Pacific paradise. Cook Islands Coffee Companyattracts mainly local customers, with almost 90% of their customers being local. It is located 3km north of Muri on main road to Avarua (Look for the orange cone with Coffee written on it!). It is owned and run by Neil Dearlove outside his house. Every morning, queues of people can be seen waiting for a cup of coffee from here. Only opens from 7:30am to 10:30am, catering for the work rush in the morning, providing people with their daily dose of caffeine.
Kay George Designs Gallery
This is a must see art gallery on the western side of Rarotonga with a New Zealand artist and her Cook Islander husband plus children. If you want to buy art from the artists,Kay George Designs Gallery is the place – original art which captures the essence of Rarotonga, Fabrics, prints and painted canvas.
