Welcome to the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are a tropical paradise of 15 Islands spanning within 240 square kilometers of the South Pacific Ocean in Oceania.

It is remote and renowned as a location to flop and drop or venture out and explore the local cuisine, markets, and stunningly beautiful scenery, in and out of the water. There are brilliant beaches, spectacular lagoons, and world-class tropical reefs along with Polynesian heritage to discover and the friendliest of people to welcome you.

Food comes from the surrounding pristine, abundant waters, and markets for local cuisine. Try Ika Mata, a fresh salad of raw fish and coconut. Or curried eke a delicious local version of Octopus. Banana Poke is a popular sweet dish.

Muri Lagoon forms part of Rarotonga's encircling lagoon with crystal clear water and swarms of colourful tropical fish. Aitutaki's famous exquisite lagoon has fantastic snorkelling, and great resorts to stay a while. Nearby is the wreck of a cargo freighter named Alexander, which ran aground in the 1930s.

Sunday morning is church time when towns shut down, and communities gather in the place to be. A worthy experience no matter your faith as all the voices of a village come together in a harmonious song. 

It's a country with natural wonder from its sandy white beaches, and bure's on the water edge, to each island's forested heart. The Cross-Island Track is a favourite for hikers. This three- to four-hour hike is one of the best to explore, especially with a local guide. Consider spending time on Atiu, exploring caves, coffee plantations, and unique birdlife or learning about Mangaia's ancient ways and mysterious limestone burial caves. Snorkel and dive or do nothing as you admire and enjoy this remarkable paradise that extends above and below the sea.

Best time to visit the Cook Islands

Located in the heart of the South Pacific, the Cook Islands are a perfect all-year-round destination. The Wet season is from November to April, and when most rains fall, humidity is high, as are temperatures. Tropical storms can develop, and it's not unusual to have a short torrential downpour in the afternoon, which cools the temperatures down nicely. The rain may limit some outdoor activities. The Wet is off-peak season.

Peak season descends on the Cook Islands from around July to August and peaks the most during Australian and New Zealand school holidays. It's the Dry season with glorious days filled with brilliant clear blue skies and calm aqua-coloured waters.