The Ultimate Guide to a Cook Islands Holiday

Less than four hours away from Auckland and less than six hours from Sydney are the Cook Islands—a South Pacific group of islands that boast secluded, untouched white-sand beaches, crystal-clear lagoons with teal waters, and a rich and vibrant culture carefully preserved by its people.

A total of 15 islands make up the Cook Islands, offering much to explore. These islands will sweep you off your feet with scenic beaches and majestic stone peaks.

Are you curious to learn more about the Cook Islands and what they offer? We’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about this nation of stunning islands, its captivating history and the best places to explore on your next Cook Islands holiday.

A Short History of the Cook Islands

There are 15 isles in the Cook Islands. Some are dotted with volcanoes, while others are known for their serene, picture-perfect beaches. The southern islands, like Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Atiu, are the most popular among travellers. The northern islands, like Suwarrow, Pukapuka and Nassau, are less travelled but offer a more private, serene escape.

The islands were discovered by Polynesian seafaring people, renowned for their sharp and sophisticated navigation techniques that used the stars as a guide to sailing to new lands.

In 1773, the islands were rediscovered by a British navigator named James Cook, who named the group of islands the “Hervey Isles.” But in 1823, the nation’s name changed again to Cook Islands to honour the captain who found the islands.

In the late 1880s, the islands became a part of the British Dominion and were aligned with the United Kingdom until gaining independence in 1965. Today, the Cook Islands are a self-governing nation, with New Zealand overseeing their defence.

What are the People of the Cook Islands Like?

Aside from its picturesque beaches and landscapes, the Cook Islands are well-loved by travellers for its welcoming local people. Cook Islanders have a unique culture that combines traditional Polynesian values and heritage with Western influences.

Cook Islanders have two official languages—English and Cook Islands Maori. Although learning a few Maori phrases before travelling to the islands is encouraged, any English-speaking visitor will find it easy to talk to the locals.

Cook Islanders are known to be very hospitable and wear big smiles on their faces when greeting travellers. They’re also known to be fantastic entertainers. They hold many big and vibrant ceremonies with lively drums and dances to celebrate and feast together.

Must-See Sights During Your Cook Islands Holiday

Here are some of the best things to do in the Cook Islands that you can’t miss.

Sunbathe and Relax on Rarotonga’s Beautiful Beaches

Most travellers stay in Rarotonga, the biggest isle in the Cook Islands. Despite being the biggest, the island is still so small you can drive around its perimeter in 45 minutes.

Rarotonga might be the most popular among the islands, but it’s still considered a hidden gem thanks to its unspoiled beaches with no crowds.

Titikaveka Beach is one such beach known for its crystal-clear waters and abundance of colourful marine wildlife, making it the perfect place for snorkelling. Muri Beach is another crowd-favourite in Rarotonga, with long stretches of fine white sand and turquoise seas.

Learn About the Cook Islands at Te Vara Nui Village

No Cook Islands holiday is complete without seeing interacting with the locals and learning about their culture and history. This is something you can do at Te Vara Nui Village in Rarotonga.

At this authentic Polynesian village, you’ll learn more about how Cook Islanders live. You might catch a demonstration of coconut husking and weaving. You’ll also watch cultural performances and dances from the locals.

Explore the Teal Waters of Aitutaki Lagoon

One of the most Instagrammable places in the Cook Islands is Aitutaki Lagoon—a huge body of water with intense, bright blue waters littered with small but beautiful islets. The lagoon is found in Aitutaki, the second-largest island in the nation.

You can do several water-based activities to enjoy the views in Aitutaki Lagoon, like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. You could also book a cruise to explore Aitutaki on a grander scale.

Take a Trek to See Te Rua Manga

The Cook Islands offer more than just beaches and lagoons. They also have beautiful natural wonders, like rock formations. One of the most astounding of these is Te Rua Manga, also known as “The Needle.”

Te Rua Manga is a 400-meter-tall stone peak that looks like a vertical spire sprung from the earth. You can find it on a summit that many travellers hike to. The trek is a bit challenging, but you can get to the peak and enjoy the “The Needle” view in just an hour.

The Best Time to Travel to the Cook Islands

It's always a good time to visit the Cook Islands. The islands enjoy sunny tropical weather throughout the year.

However, humidity levels differ across the year. From April to November, the air is drier, giving the nation its best weather all year. June to August sees cooler temperatures, averaging at about 26°C. On the other hand, December to March has warm and humid air with a few showers now and then.

It would be best if you plan your holiday in the Cook Islands depending on the activities you want to do.

Kitesurfing, for example, is best done between May and October, when the trade winds are perfect. And if you want to go whale-watching, July through October is your best bet for catching the humpback whales near the islands’ shores.

There’s So Much to Explore in the Cook Islands

So many things await you in the Cook Islands, from sunny and secluded beaches to blue lagoons with the clearest water you’ve ever seen. It’s a fabulous destination for your next holiday, so add this South Pacific group of islands to your bucket list.

Browse Entire Travel Group’s best Cook Islands holiday packages to make the most out of your tropical getaway to paradise.