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Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Aitutaki, Cook Islands by Christoph Burgdorfer on Unsplash.

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Cook Islands Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes

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Unwind and explore the untouched beauty of Cook Islands. With its secluded beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant marine life, this is a true Polynesian gem.

About Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are known for their stunning beaches, tropical climate, and laid-back atmosphere. Activities include lagoon tours, fishing trips, and hiking.

Travel Map Mapping The Cook Islands

Map of Rarotonga

Map of Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are self Governing; in free association with New Zealand.

Consisting of 15 islands in the South Pacific, the administrative centre is the port of Avarua, on Rarotonga.

Cheap Hotels and Hostels in Cook Islands.

Cook Islands Overview

Made up of 15 islands spread over an area of 2.2 million square kilometers, halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, the population of an average provincial town peoples an area the size of a sub-continent.

Polynesians

Although these friendly Polynesians share the same language, their islands are very different.

Urban dwellers may well be in for a shock here. The pace is slow, and you can forget about hailing a cab.

Even with 50,000 foreigners a year visiting the capital island, Rarotonga, the Cook Islands have not been prostituted to tourism.

Avarua

The capital of the Cook Islands, Avarua, is located on the island of Rarotonga, which is the largest and most populous of the islands.

Map of Avarua
Map of Avarua.

Economy

The Cook Islands has a population of around 18,000 people, and its economy is based largely on tourism, fishing, and agriculture.

History

The Cook Islands has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the 6th century AD.

Oh to have lived on the islands in innocence, before the arrival of the Europeans.

Did the Maori migrations to New Zealand start from Rarotonga?

The islands were first visited by European explorers in the 16th century, and were later colonized by the British in the 19th century.

The islands gained self-governance in 1965, and became fully independent in 2001, although they maintain a close relationship with New Zealand.

Language

The official languages are English and Cook Islands Maori, and the currency is the New Zealand dollar.

Cook Islands Tourism

The Cook Islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical forests.

Visiting The Cook Isands

A visit to the Cook Islands can be an unforgettable experience, with breathtaking scenery, friendly locals, and a laid-back island lifestyle.

The islands are known for their unique Polynesian culture, which includes traditional dances, music, and cuisine.

Visitors to the Cook Islands can enjoy a range of activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, and cultural tours.

Best Time to Visit

The Cook Islands have a tropical climate. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from May to October.

Culture

The Cook Islands have a rich Polynesian culture, and visitors can experience traditional music, dance, and food during their stay.

The islanders are known for their warm hospitality, and visitors are often welcomed into local communities and events.

Getting There

The main airport in the Cook Islands is located on the island of Rarotonga, and is served by several international airlines.

How to Get There:
Flying in is the choice of many, although a sea voyage is the stuff of legends.

Once you arrive, you can travel between the islands by air or by boat.

Things to Do

The Cook Islands offer a wide range of activities, from water sports like snorkelling, diving, and fishing, to hiking, cultural tours, and more.

Some of the most popular attractions include Aitutaki Lagoon, Rarotonga's Muri Beach, and the Te Vara Nui Cultural Village.

Where to Stay

There are a variety of accommodation options in the Cook Islands, ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses.

Many of the resorts offer all-inclusive packages, which can be a great option if you want to simplify your trip planning.

Southern Cook Islands

The Southern Group of the Cook Islands are mostly mountainous and volcanic in origin.

These are: Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke, Mitiaro, Manuae, and Takutea.

Cook Islands Geographically:
Find out where they are in the world, and where the outlying islands are in relation to Rarotonga.

Rarotonga:
The capital island is the one most visitors arrive at.

Sea Change Villas:
Luxury Cook Island beach bungalow accommodation, with self-contained villas perfect for resort style vacations or honeymoons.

Northern Cook Islands

The Northern Group are more low-lying coral islands and include: Pukapuka, Tongareva (also called Penrhyn), Manihiki, Palmerston, Rakahanga, Suwarrow, and Nassau.

Cook Islands Accommodation

Where to Stay on Rarotonga

Hotel Resorts around Titikaveka and Muri.

Book Hotels Online

Cook Islands Maps and Travel Guides

Lonely Planet Rarotonga, Samoa & Tonga (Travel Guide) Map Pack - Cook & Samoa Islands Map

Cook Islands Travel - Cook Islands Maps.

Weather in The Pacific:
Local weather forecasts for destinations around the Pacific region.

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