Cook Islands Travel
Cook Islands Overview
The Cook Islands are a self-governing parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand. It is located in Polynesia, in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, between French Polynesia (Society Islands to the east and Tonga to the west). The island enjoys a tropical oceanic with moderated by trade winds. The best time to visit is during the months of April to November.
Cook Islands Main Attractions
Cook Islands are known for its unique landscape and geography. The main island, an eroded volcanic island, is slowly rising again due to tectonic plate movements and over the past 100,000 years has risen 70 feet. This has created the wild rugged rocks and cliffs on its coast that were once just reefs. The dead reefs encircle the island up to a mile inland where it has created a second set of cliff. This has been a major destination for many tours.
The Cook Islands will seduce you with its pristine beaches, green-blue lagoons, picture-postcard views and friendly locals. The Cook Islands have much to offer visitors, whether it is for a romantic getaway, adventure holiday or family retreat. With so many exciting things to see and do and an array of quality accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes, a holiday in the Cook Islands will certainly impress.
Cook Islands Activities
Owing to the reefs there are no surf beaches around and the lagoon beaches are the only places to go swimming. The reefs also help to keep any passing sharks out of the lagoon. The Muri and Aroa Beaches are the best sandy beaches on Rarotonga. The best snorkeling opportunities can be found along the Takitumu, just off the white sands and near Ta'akoka islet at Muri Beach. Tourists to Aitutaki Island must take the lagoon cruise and enjoy a walk along some fine beaches and cays.
Cook Islands Accommodation & Dining
Most of the Cook Islands accommodations are located either on the beach or close to the beach much to the delight of the tourists coming to enjoy the stunning turquoise lagoon and white beaches. To help you plan your Cook Islands holiday our local staff have selected a range of hotels, resorts, villas and self contained units that offer outstanding service to the residents of those Cook Islands hotels. Nowadays, as the Cook Islands has become a tourist hub, you can find a wide range of restaurants that offer the different cuisines of the world such as Italian, Chinese, Indian and more where you can eat at if you don't want to try the local dishes.
Cook Islands Shopping & Nightlife
Check out the night in Cook Islands. You can find all the nightclubs, pubs and bars you may wish for. The islands’ night is lively, colorful and sensuous. They should be in the must do list of every tourist. The Cook Islands offer a wide range of souvenirs ranging from local handicrafts to the much sought after cultured black pearls. The markets in Cook Islands will not only provide you with the opportunity to mingle with the locals but you will also be able to buy items such as jewelries made from coconut fiber, the locally made quilts, hand dyed pareos and many more.
Getting To & Around the Cook Islands
You can reach the Cook Islands using the Rarotonga International Airport if you’re coming from Los Angeles or New Zealand. There are also some cruise ships to Rarotonga and Aitutak operating from Tahiti.
