When my husband were planning a pretty epic trip to Oceania, it’s safe to say we didn’t have a clue what we were doing. We had 2.5 months and we knew we wanted to go to Australia and New Zealand. But that was it.
Turned out for the price of a return to Auckland via Melbourne, we could get a Round the World ticket and head home via LA. Score. Then came the suggestion that made our trip: “Air New Zealand do a twice weekly flight from Auckland to Rarotonga and on to LA – you guys could spend a week in the Cook Islands”.
Everything I knew about the Cook Islands until that point was acquired entirely from noughties TV show Shipwrecked (never saw it? I urge you to head to YouTube). A few minutes of Googling later, we’d established that the Cooks are made up of 15 islands nestled north of New Zealand, with Rarotonga being the largest and most popular and, basically, looked like paradise. It would be rude not to visit paradise given the chance, right?
Geeky fact time: fly from Auckland to Rarotonga and you’ll cross the international date line, so you’ll arrive in the Cook Islands before you left New Zealand. If that novelty factor alone isn’t enough to get you out there (and if not who on earth are you?) you’ll literally feel like you’ve stepped back in time once you’ve stepped off the plane. I can’t think of anywhere else on earth where I’ve felt like I’ve genuinely ‘gotten away from it all’. The smaller islands like Mitiaro have a population of only 180 and less than 10 cars.
What I loved about Rarotonga was that, despite it being the largest and most populous of the Cook Islands, it didn’t feel touristy or full of resorts. Unlike many tropical islands, you don’t feel obliged to stay in your resort: in fact, getting out and exploring is one of the main draws here.
Top Things to Do in the Cook Islands
Beaches
The Cook Islands is spectacular! Seriously, pictures just don’t do it justice. The beaches are out of this world, and far less touristy than most other world destinations due to its isolated location.
Swimming, Snorkelling and Diving
Grab your snorkel, step off the sand and you’ll be treated to beautiful reefs, tropical fish, sea snakes (ugh) and even turtles if you’re lucky. Want more? Head deeper. The scuba diving off Rarotonga is hands-down the most incredible diving experience I’ve had. With 30 metres of visibility and beautiful, colourful reefs that have retained their beauty as the islands get far less divers than somewhere like the Great Barrier Reef.
Library and Museum
The Cook Islands are great if your travel buddy, like mine, isn’t content with lazing on a picture perfect beach all day. I know. These weirdos do exist. The islands have a fascinating history – a visit to the Cook Islands Library and Museum is a good way to find out more about it – while the super-friendly local people can trace their ancestry back around 1400 years when the first Cook Islanders settled from today’s French Polynesia.
Church
A visit to a local church service is a must regardless of your religious orientation. Don’t miss a trip to church. Seriously! Forget stuffy, quiet religious services – here it’s all about colour, passion and singing. The Cook Island Christian Church in Avarua has a service delivered in Cook Islands Maori and music to start your Sunday with a bang. Watch as locals wearing their Sunday finest sweep into the church with a huge smile, and feel totally welcomed as the pasteur switches from Maori to English. The local choir breaks out in beautifully timed hymns acapella style, affording you one of those authentically local experiences that you’ll cherish forever.
Some more top things not to miss include:
Witness traditional Cook Islands Maori in a cultural display.
Hike up the Piraki trail to Maunga Pu, the highest point on the island with stunning panoramic views of the turquoise lagoon. Breathe in the sweet island air and don’t forget to take in the moment as you witness some awesome scenery.
Head to Oo’tu Beach and get your first taste of the lagoon. Go for a swim/snorkel in the crystal clear waters or just chill out and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There are plenty of water-sports on offer along the beachfront, although these carry an extra cost.
Take in a traditional ‘Island night’, a favourite with the locals! Enjoy a performance of Cook Islands song, dance, fire dancing and more. Dressed in traditional costume, watch as these fascinating traditional dancers take you on a mesmerizing journey through the South Pacific.
Head up to the North of the island and discover the giant clams at Aitutaki Marine Research centre. Learn about the conservation programmes specific to the lagoon and reef ecosystems found around the island group. Don’t forget to bring your snorkelling gear!
It’s time to be awestruck as you head over to ‘One Foot Island’, where you and the group will enjoy an intimate day of unforgettable snorkelling, sunbathing or exploring – you name it! Don’t forget to stamp your passport and prove that you actually made it to paradise and back!
Be sure to visit the local market in Arutanga, or hire a bike and discover the islands southern and eastern sides, not much is happening there, but that’s part of the charm. Discover these remote parts of the island and have the beach all to yourself – perfect to take a good book, or simply reflect upon your experiences so far.
Cruise to Honeymoon Island. With the water so clear and the palm trees swaying in the wind providing the perfect ambiance. Wade across the sandbar to the nearby islands at low tide or put on snorkeling gear and drift along with the currents as you watch tropical fish darting around one of the most magical lagoons in the vast South Pacific.
Join the locals for a kaikai (feast) cooked in an umu (earth oven), another one of those unforgettable experiences.
Search for humpback whales and other awe-inspiring marine life with a local expert led whale watching trip and snorkel. These amazing ocean giants come really close to the shore to play near the reefs during the migrating season, so keep your eyes peeled and camera at the ready. (Whale sightings are not guaranteed)
Getting Around is Easy
You could jump on the Cook Islands bus (there are two routes: Clockwise and Anti-clockwise) which will drop you off anywhere you want, or for more flexibility you could hire a scooter.
Heads up: if you do want to do the latter, you’ll need to get a Cook Islands driving license. Just take you own driving license to the police station in Avarua, pay NZ$20, take a small theory test and a short practical test and you’ll be the proud owner of your very own Cook Islands license, complete with dodgy photo. A much cooler holiday souvenir than a fridge magnet.
Honestly, we were sold by the time we’d read more about the Cook Islands and it was even better in real. life! If you get the chance, find out how you can work the Cook Islands into your Big Trip itinerary and get ready to explore paradise.