The Cook Islands is a little paradise where it’s easy to feel free and where you’ll find more than enough to do. Life here is simply beautiful, and the best part is it’s so much closer and more affordable than you think! Lying in the heart of the pacific, the Cook Islands are located halfway between Australia’s east coast and Hawaii.
From the mainland of Rarotonga to the outer islands of Aitutaki, you’ll find beauty, nature and connection combine. Warm white sands, crystal blue waters and tall coconut palms create a picturesque paradise deserving of daydreaming. The Cook Islands truly encapsulate this definition of paradise, but in this destination, personal paradise is created by so much more than a formula!
Who should visit the Cook Islands?
The perfect client for the Cook Islands is any traveller looking for an island getaway, especially someone who has been to Fiji, Hawaii or any other South Pacific island.
Why visit the Cook Islands?
Only 32 kilometers around, the main island of Rarotonga feels like one big resort where everything is easily accessible no matter where visitors stay.
- Accommodation to suit everyone from backpackers to luxury boutique villas, resorts and everything in between
- Plenty to see and do on land and sea
- New Zealand dollar
- English speaking
- Safe destination
- quick 50 minute flight to Aitutaki featuring the most beautiful lagoon in the world
Things to do
Visitors can do as much or as little as they like on the islands, giving them a well-rounded holiday experience filled with adventure and relaxation.
Water Activities
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddle boarding
- Snorkelling
- Lagoon cruises
- Kite surfing
- Night SUP
- SCUBA diving
- Sea scooter turtle tours
Land
- Storytellers Eco Cycle Tour
- Cross Island Trek
- Buggy Tours
- Safari Tours
Outer Islands
- Aitutaki Day Tour or stay longer
- Overnight in Atiu for caving and bird watching
Culture
- Punanga Nui Saturday morning markets
- Muri night markets
- Progressive dinner
- Island nights (Rarotonga and Aitutaki) at resorts and cultural villages
Where to stay
The Cook Islands offer a wide range of accommodation to suit a variety of client requests.
- Eco retreat
- Glamping
- Holiday homes
- Adults only resorts
- Boutique hotels
- Family-friendly resorts
- Backpackers
- Self contained
- Luxury villas
- Partial over water bungalows
- Home stays
Best time to go
Any time is a good time to visit – it really depends on what your client is looking for!
April/May and September/October: Fantastic shoulder period. Warm and dry.
June to August: Best time to escape Aussie winter. Is also peak season so advisable to book early.
November to February: Hotter, more humid time of year.
How to get to the Cook Islands
- Air New Zealand and Jetstar fly via Auckland
- Air New Zealand operates a direct service SYD/RAR weekly departing on a Friday evening and RAR/SYD departing on a Thursday afternoon. There is also a direct service operated via LAX making the Cook Islands a perfect stopover for clients flying to the US.
- No visa required for stays up to 31 days. Passport must have a 6 month validity. Australian passport holders are also permitted to travel if they have at least 7 days validity left on their passport from leaving the Cook Islands.
