Experiences in Cook Islands

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL
Learn the Polynesian way of life in these remote, yet accessible outer islands. But remember: seeking “live like a local” experiences entail accepting challenges, such as limited modern conveniences and sometimes delays in communication. But that’s part of the adventure!

ATIU
Atiu’s traditional name is Enua Manu-the land of the birds. The island is home to the kopeka, a bird you won’t find anywhere else in the world, which nests in its sprawling subterranean caves. Atiu is for travellers interested in adventure and the outdoors, with its underground worlds and cliffs and jungles and pig hunts. It’s a place where boredom is not an option.

MANGAIA
On Mangaia, the oldest island in the Pacific, the past comes to life. Ancient systems of managing resources has survived into the present. You’ll find the history of fishing and planting, both for subsistence and for export, in landscapes and in locals’ stories. From breathtaking visits you’ll feel the gratitude ancient discoverers of this Polynesia felt when they arrived 18 million years ago.

MAUKE
On Mangaia, the oldest island in the Pacific, the past comes to life. Ancient systems of managing resources has survived into the present. You’ll find the history of fishing and planting, both for subsistence and for export, in landscapes and in locals’ stories. From breathtaking visits you’ll feel the gratitude ancient discoverers of this Polynesia felt when they arrived 18 million years ago. Mauke is an epicenter of peace and beauty. Here, you have the beaches and gardens and vistas to yourself. The island’s old name, Akatokamanava, translates as “where my heart rests.” If you’re looking to de-stress and detox from the busy-ness of “real-life,” try Mauke, where your heart can rest and where you can hear about Polynesia from people who have time to talk about it.

MITIARO
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll be right at home on Mitiaro, where you can watch the locals collecting food from their varied and diverse breadbaskets. You’ll find freshwater lakes, crystal-clear swimming holes, swamps, and tide pools, and you won’t have to go far to find someone willing to show you how to harvest food from them.

COUPLES
ROMANCE AND RELAXATION
Impossibly blue lagoons, dazzling white sand beaches fringed by postcard palm trees, our islands offer couples the perfect romantic escape. The unspoilt natural beauty of the Cook Islands is a magical setting for celebrating love, anniversaries, milestones, special birthdays or simply a bucket list spot for some well-deserved reconnection.

After Rarotonga, Aitutaki is our second most visited island in the Cook Islands. Secluded and romantic, it holds a compelling allure for honeymooners, many of whom choose this haven for the duration of their stay. You can look forward to languid, leisurely days simply reveling in each other’s company and the jaw-dropping surroundings. Work on your suntan lazing under a coconut palm, relax with a massage or ask for directions to the secret garden.

Recharge in Paradise
Rarotonga and Aitutaki are easy, relaxing and fun destinations for you and your partner. From romance and relaxation, to action and adventure, gourmet dining, arts and culture, there’s something here for every couple on every budget.

Indulge in Pure Beauty
Pamper yourself with spa and beauty treatments and you’ll instantly fall into island time. Your stress and fatigue will melt away as the combination of skilful spa therapists and tropical island paradise work their magic. A luxurious range of treatments from qualified professional therapists are available for men and women from the many health and beauty spas, which are either onsite at resorts or operated independently. You can choose beauty by the beach, the pool, by a waterfall or in private spa facilities.

Enjoy the Island Cuisine
You can’t go wrong wherever you choose to eat. For exceptional Cook Island cuisine, there are some stunning restaurants, several featuring ‘feet in the sand’ dining. The big resorts also offer romantic beachfront dining by candlelight. From fine cuisine to the local favourite of ika mata (raw fish marinated in coconut cream) and mouth-watering tropical fruits, the food is an unexpected pleasure. There are plenty of good, cheaper places to eat and you can always find fresh fish and chips to eat on the beach.

Romance on Rarotonga
Many couples choose just to soak up Rarotonga’s relaxed pleasures, with its stunning blue lagoon surrounded by a protective coral reef, its towering mountain peaks and tropical lush valley floors. A day strolling on the beach, snorkelling, swimming, snoozing, or just admiring the scenery from your hammock, drifts away in no time.

Romance on Aitutaki
If you thought you had slowed down in Rarotonga, just wait till you visit Aitutaki. It’s an exquisite tropical atoll, listed as one of the best beach locations in the world. Often referred to as heaven on earth, it’s where to go to get away from it all and enjoy the ultimate escape together.

ARTS & CULTURE
Ancient Cook Islands Polynesian culture isn’t only in museums, we celebrate it in our everyday lives. It’s so easy to experience as we love sharing it with visitors.

The Cook Islands are a modern Pacific nation whose people are a cosmopolitan blend of their ancient Polynesian heritage, with a European twist. There are so many ways to immerse yourself in their culture and slip into the laidback life the locals have created. Cook Islanders are happy, friendly and vibrant people who love engaging with travellers and sharing their lifestyle with their visitors. From lazing on the beach, and shopping at the markets to enjoying a cocktail as the sun sets at a local beach bar, the locals are right there with you, sharing in the magic and joy of their island life.

Island Nights
Book your spot at an ‘Island Night’ cultural show for an unforgettable cultural experience. Available at a variety of resorts and cultural centres on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, this is an evening where the locals share their exciting history through traditional music, song, dance and food.

Cultural Tours
Ancient ways of tribal life can be experienced at one of our authentic village tours on Rarotonga or Aitutaki. On the same soil our ancestors lived and died, learn about our tribal customs and rich history of tribal warfare, invasion and cannibalism before the arrival of Christianity. Or take one of our fabulous land or water based tours – we’re always sharing a little bit of our history and culture!

Traditional Church Service
Relax on a Sunday, just like the locals. Attend a church service at one of the many beautiful Cook Islands Christian Churches (CICC) dotted around the islands and be greeted by a warm welcome and some of the most beautiful hymns and harmonies you have ever heard.

Visit Our Markets
One of the best ways to connect with the friendly locals is to visit the vibrant Saturday morning Punanga Nui Markets in Rarotonga. This is the social hub of the island, where tourists and locals come together to enjoy delicious local produce, talented local music and dance performances and authentic Cook Islands crafts.

EVENTS
Enjoy celebrating our international events with an unbelievable holiday. There’s so much to see and do throughout the year. Many sporting codes host international competitions, vibrant cultural festivals are celebrated in our trademark high-spirits, there are beautiful flower shows and internationally renowned musicians tour here across the year. You’ll always find something going on and will always be welcomed to join in with open arms.

PERFECT FOR FAMILIES
The perfect playground for kids, switch off the screens and recharge your family. Not only a destination for romantic couples, family togetherness is an important part of Cook Islands’ culture and you’ll all be welcomed warmly. There’s so much to keep everyone entertained, from simple pleasures like crab racing or snorkelling in the safety of the lagoon to jungle trekking across the island or enjoying spectacular cultural entertainment.

Accommodation for Families
From a two-star property up to a five star, we have accommodation for all families in the Cook Islands. Book a villa with two or three bedrooms, complete with full kitchen and laundry facilities and plenty of space for everyone. If you prefer smaller hotels and resorts, there are multiple properties that cater for families. And of course, there are holiday homes, many right on the lagoon edge.

Resorts With Kids Clubs
Or, for parents in need of some adult timeout, look at the larger resorts with Kids Clubs, providing amazing activities and total care and attention for your children every day. Check out the Kids Clubs at Pacific Resort Rarotonga, Edgewater Resort and Spa and The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium.

How Families Explore Rarotonga
It’s the accessibility and ease of everything that makes Rarotonga so different. No matter where you are or what you want to do, the whole island is your playground.

Dining for Families in Rarotonga
Eating out costs about the same as it does back at home and the supermarkets stock many familiar products great for ravenous kids. There are some great cheap places to eat at the markets and the fresh tropical fruit is plentiful, healthy and totally addictive.

SHOPPING
When shopping in the Cook Islands you’ll find an exquisite array of unique handicrafts, jewellery, art and clothing for sale in an excellent choice of retail outlets.

Shop at Our Local Markets
The Punanga Nui Markets on Saturday mornings in Avarua is also a great place to shop for local handicrafts, artworks, souvenirs and more. Explore more about our markets in Rarotonga.

Rito hats are intricately woven from stripped coconut fronds, and the pareu, a colourful fabric printed in a variety of colours and patterns like a sarong. Both are a vital part of everyday life.

Wooden carvings such as clubs, spears, canoes, different drums (pate) and ukulele are popular. The hand-stitched quilts known as tivaevae are highly valued. Manihiki in the north exports cultured black pearls to Rarotonga, where they are set into high fashion jewellery pieces. Like the rest of the Cook Islands, the black pearl is small, but perfectly formed. There are small stores around the island but the highest concentration of shops is in Avarua.

Local arts and crafts are available throughout the islands. Pupu necklaces, hand printed pareus, local therapeutic oils and fragrances, coconut anything from the finest rito hats to bikini bras, fans, pandanus mats, carved wooden bowls, spears and paddles and above all the prized black pearls. If this is on your list of “must haves” make sure you buy in the Cooks. The quality is superb and the price is right.