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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE
TO THE COOK ISLANDS

All 15 islands in detail. Getting there, getting around, where to go, what to see and do...and more

An independent source for 20 years

In the Cook Islands it's

What are you looking for?

Start exploring paradise

Explore Rarotonga

RAROTO​NGA
The capital island

The most visited and most developed of the islands. The only international airport and gateway to the rest of the Cooks

Explore Aitutaki

AITUTAKI
Where heaven meets earth

The second most visited island with a stunningly beautiful blue lagoon. A 45 minute flight from Rarotonga. Stay or take a day trip

Where else to visit in the Cook Islands

MORE ISLANDS
Where else can you visit?

Each of the 13 other islands is distinctly different, none is very busy and some very rarely see visitors. But not all are easy to get to and two are deserted

10 minute tour of the Cook Islands

TAKE A QUICK TOUR

Want to know more but pushed for time? Click on this icon to start a whirlwind tour of discovery with lots of useful information

EXPLORE SOME MORE

WHAT'S ON

CHRISTMAS EVENTS including Jolly Jingle Jam markets, 18-19 December, and
Christmas in the Park,
19 December
KONI RAONI, Aitutaki
26 December and 2 January

EVENTS CALENDAR

INSIGHT

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS
Warmth and hospitality is always abundant on Mauke but even more so on Christmas Day, Villagers celebrate in their own unique way including a feast for everyone who passes by  

MAUKE AT CHRISTMAS

DID YOU KNOW?

BLESSINGS ON HIGH
At 652 metres Te Rua Manga on Rarotonga is the highest point in all the islands and was blessed in 2000 by the Dalai Lama. Guided climbs are popular and provide great views of the island

FASCINATING FACTS

ARMCHAIR TRAVEL

Cook Islands guide book

Stories of buried treasure, ghostly fire, real-life Robinson Crusoes and the mafia are among the  'secrets' shared as you explore all 15 of the Cook Islands through the pages of this book. A unique insight into a South Pacific paradise. Sales profits to dementia charities 

MORE THAN A GUIDEBOOK

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FEATU​RED ISLAND

Penrhyn from the air

Lying just below the equator and over 1,300 kms (848 mls) north of Rarotonga, PENRHYN is the largest atoll in the Islands with a vast and stunning lagoon. Islanders farm pearls and pearl shell and the remains of a a World War II bomber lie amid the lush landscape

EXPLORE PENRHYN

NEW IN PARADISE

Cook Islands 60th anniversary video

"Celebration of a Nation" is a new video which looks at key moments in the past and present day story of the islands and ponders about a future with threats from climate change, seabed mining, tourism and a declining population

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

PODCAST

Kukicast  Cook Islands podcast

Tom Neale spent 16 years living alone on remote Suwarrow and told his story in a 1966 book. Now the book has been updated with a new epilogue from his daughter, Stella Neale who shares her own insight into a remarkable man in the latest Kukicast podcast

LISTEN NOW
ALL PODCASTS

FEATURED ISLAND

Penrhyn from the air

Lying just below the equator and over 1,300 kms (848 mls) north of Rarotonga, PENRHYN is the largest atoll in the Islands with a vast and stunning lagoon. Islanders farm pearls and pearl shell and the remains of a a World War II bomber lie amid the lush landscape

EXPLORE PENRHYN

NEW IN PARADISE

Eating out in Rarotonga

"Celebration of a Nation" is a new video which looks at key moments in the past and present day story of the islands and ponders about a future with threats from climate change, seabed mining, tourism and a declining population

WATCH IT ON YOUTUBE

PODCAST

Rarotonga airport from the air

Tom Neale spent 16 years living alone on remote Suwarrow and told his story in a 1966 book. Now the book has been updated with a new epilogue from his daughter, Stella Neale who shares her own insight into a remarkable man in the latest Kukicast podcast

LISTEN NOW ALL PODCASTS

MY COOK ISLANDS

"The humbleness of the people, the relaxed way of life here is something to truly appreciate and admire! This Island is a true magical untouched little island gem in the South Pacific. Definitely worth a visit !"

Mitiaro through the eyes of a visitor