Scattered over a vast expanse of empty ocean the size of Western Europe, the tiny Cook Islands is a castaway’s dream come true.
Region is divided into 2, The Northern Cook Islands, with low coral atolls close to the equator. The islands are sparsely inhabited and difficult to travel to.
The 2nd Southern Cook Islands is mostly volcanic and hilly islands. These islands host most of the population and includes the two main destination islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
If you’ve ever fantasized about escaping to a remote desert island, far from the hustle and hum of the modern world, then look no further than these 15 fascinating islands,
where you’ll find a thousand years of Polynesian culture sitting side by side with some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the South Pacific.
The jewel in the crown is Rarotonga, the largest island a bewitching blend of craggy mountains, dense jungle and glorious bone-white beaches.
The hook-shaped atoll of Aitutaki, sits at the top of one of the world’s largest coral lagoons, ringed by smaller uninhabited islets, known as motu, around its outer edges.
Then there’s the small, rocky island of ‘Atiu, with its limestone caves, coffee plantations and bush-beer drinking;
the makatea islands of Mau’ke, Mitiaro and Mangaia, where traditional village life still predominates; and the far-flung black pearl fields of Penrhyn and Manihiki.
Time, like most other things in the Cook Islands, has a mind of its own. Days roll by with the island tides:
one morning you’ll be exploring taro plantations, swimming in underground caves and dancing till dawn with the locals, and the next, a plane will be waiting to take you home.
Region is divided into 2, The Northern Cook Islands, with low coral atolls close to the equator. The islands are sparsely inhabited and difficult to travel to.
The 2nd Southern Cook Islands is mostly volcanic and hilly islands. These islands host most of the population and includes the two main destination islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
If you’ve ever fantasized about escaping to a remote desert island, far from the hustle and hum of the modern world, then look no further than these 15 fascinating islands,
where you’ll find a thousand years of Polynesian culture sitting side by side with some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the South Pacific.
The jewel in the crown is Rarotonga, the largest island a bewitching blend of craggy mountains, dense jungle and glorious bone-white beaches.
The hook-shaped atoll of Aitutaki, sits at the top of one of the world’s largest coral lagoons, ringed by smaller uninhabited islets, known as motu, around its outer edges.
Then there’s the small, rocky island of ‘Atiu, with its limestone caves, coffee plantations and bush-beer drinking;
the makatea islands of Mau’ke, Mitiaro and Mangaia, where traditional village life still predominates; and the far-flung black pearl fields of Penrhyn and Manihiki.
Time, like most other things in the Cook Islands, has a mind of its own. Days roll by with the island tides:
one morning you’ll be exploring taro plantations, swimming in underground caves and dancing till dawn with the locals, and the next, a plane will be waiting to take you home.
Muri Lagoon
Enjoy the protected lagoon of Rarotonga. Board the glass bottom boat and cruise out over world renown Muri Lagoon to the inner reef area where the marine life is abundant. Snorkel amongst schools of butterfly fish, hand feed the many varieties of colourful tropical fish or go exploring amongst the many coral outcrops that act as home to many marine animals. Enjoy the song and dance show. Large areas of the lagoon of Rarotonga have been placed under a traditional Raui Conservation System where a complete ban on fishing is enforced by the traditional leaders of the community. As a result of this, the marine life is bountiful. |
Highland Paradise
High into the rugged mountains of Rarotonga. Offering amazing 180 degree ocean views, the "open air museum" showcases evidence of a historical lost village and the survival of the Polynesian people. An interactive experience to relive the Polynesian traditional life. Cultural activities on display from coconut husking to traditional cooking demonstrations. The centre reveals the intellectual know how of the early signs of astrology to the barbaric rocks of sacrifice including the navigational stones used to guide the vakas to Aotearoa - New Zealand and gardens that contain medicinal and ritual plants. The experience is continued through the entertaining DVD theatre, souvenir shop and best of all the tasting of local delicacies. |
Tangaroa 4x4
Adventure into the interior of the island of Rarotonga. Safari tour heads inland to discover the lush tropical interior of the island. Visit the green valleys of Avatiu along a paved road that takes you close to the centre of the island. See taro plantations. The Taro plant is an important food crop throughout the Pacific. Visit sacred sites such as Arai Te Tonga Marae. Ara Metua - an inland road system that lies a mile or so inland from the coast and built by the warrior chief Toi, approximately 1000 years ago. Ara Tapu is a 31 kilometre coastal highway that runs parallel to the white sand beaches of the island. See spectacular views of the coastline, Muri Lagoon and her offshore islands (motus). |
Aitutaki Island
It's spectacular, the tiny offshore islets knows as motus appear like beads strung along the protective coral reef and the white beaches that border each island are just beautiful. Visit the main township of Arutanga, the market place and the inland villages of Tauto and Vaipae. Board a catamaran, Titi Ai Tona. The slow cruise across the lagoon to the top reef will take you past many of the offshore motus and sand bars that are permanently raised above the high tide mark. Snorkel amongst schools of tropical fish and hand feed them. Cruise to One Foot Island, where for a few hours you can swim in crystal clear waters, explore the island or just laze in the sun on the soft white sand beaches, before returning to mainland |