COOK ISLANDS FALL IN LOVE

13 BEST THINGS TO DO IN COOK ISLANDS FOR AN ULTIMATE TROPICAL GETAWAY

If you want to go on a holiday to get away from the fast-paced city life, the Cook Islands is the place for you. This idyllic tropical paradise lies   in the South Pacific, with 15 islands scattered between French Polynesia and American Samoa.

Are you wondering what to do in the Cook Islands? We’ve narrowed down 13 activities that you can add to your Pacific travel bucket list.

SWIM IN TITIKAVEKA BEACH

Titikaveka Beach is a crowd favourite  among the beaches in the Cook Islands. It lies on the southwest coast of Rarotonga and is popular for its crystal-clear waters. The water is so clean that you’ll see colourful schools of fish and blue sea stars in the translucent  waters!  Enjoy  a  day of snorkelling and swimming in the shallow waters of the beach.

STROLL ALONG MURI BEACH

Muri Beach is another must-see attraction in Rarotonga. Imagine shallow stretches of sand surrounded by ripples of aquamarine waters. It paints a picturesque scene perfect for romantic walks by the shore. Enjoy a meal in one of the waterfront restaurants with the setting sun as your backdrop. Spend intimate moments with your partner with our Romance in the Cook Islands package.

SNORKEL IN THE AROA MARINE RESERVE

The Aroa Marine Reserve is home to pristine waters and rich marine life ideal for snorkelling.

The place is off-limits to motorised boats so your children can safely swim in the waters. You can also try kayaking in the seas or sit back on a beach chair while watching the sunset.

TAKE A ROMANTIC WALK IN THE MAIRE NUI GARDENS

Drop by the Maire Nui Gardens, located a few minutes away from Titikaveka Beach. This lovely garden spans seven acres and is home to different plants and insects. Get a chance to visit this attraction and more with our Island Villas holiday package.

EXPERIENCE MAORI CULTURE IN TE VARA NUI VILLAGE

The Te Vara Nui Village offers an authentic cultural experience for travellers in the Cook Islands. Get to know more about the  local  Maori people with an interactive guided tour and fun activities. You’ll look forward to fishing and coconut husking with the locals! Discover a different side of the Cook Islands with our Chill Out in Paradise holiday package.

EXPLORE THE CAPITAL CITY

When visiting the Cook Islands, you can’t miss the capital Avarua. This laidback town, sitting in the north of Rarotonga, has plenty of attractions worth visiting. Explore the Punanga Nui Market on Saturday mornings for native food vendors, beverages, head dresses, pareu, and souvenirs.

EXPLORE THE HIDDEN WONDERS INSIDE A SHIPWRECK

Join a guided tour discovering the Cook Islands hidden bountiful treasures under the sea,  like the “Boiler” shipwreck in the northern part of the island. It’s easy to spot from a distance because the tip of the ship juts out of the water. Swim alongside the marine creatures living inside this wreck.

WALK AROUND ONE FOOT ISLAND

The Aitutaki Lagoon experience isn’t complete without stopping by its most visited motu, the Tapuaetai or One Foot Island. True to its name, it’s easy to explore the island on foot. See the best islets in the Aitutaki Lagoon with our Tropical Charm holiday package.

HIKE ACROSS THE ISLANDS

If you want to experience a new hiking adventure, try the cross-island  track  across  Rarotonga. The path starts at the north coast and traverses through dense forests until you reach the southern coast. The trail offers stunning views and iconic landmarks, such as the Te Rua Manga or the Needle Mountain in the north and the Wigmore’s Waterfall or Papua in the south.

LEARN ABOUT COOK ISLAND’S MARINE LIFE

Are you taking your kids on their first holiday? The Marine and Wildlife Eco Centre in Rarotonga is a great place to start! It has interactive displays that will introduce your little ones to the lively sea creatures from the Cook Islands.

CRUISE ALONG THE AITUTAKI LAGOON

Witness heaven on earth in the Aitutaki Lagoon. Its glimmering cerulean seas dotted with 15 small islands offer a gorgeous view that will leave you in awe. The best way to explore this lagoon is through kayaking, but you can also cruise by boat. Find your safe place by the tropics with our Escape to the Cook Islands holiday package.

CLIMB UP MOUNT MAUNGAPU

Mount Maungapu is another must-visit place when touring the Aitutaki. This mountain stands 124 metres tall, making it the tallest mountain on the island. The hike up to the peak takes about half an hour, but the breathtaking views of Aitutaki at the summit make the climb worth it.

ROAM THE ARUTANGA SETTLEMENT

If you’re looking for a quiet retreat, you’ll feel at home in the quaint Arutanga in Aitutaki. Unwind from the thrills of the sea and feel the slow pace of island life while visiting the quiet harbour and historic Cook Islands Christian Church.