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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

Sharing the love for 21 years. An independent guide

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

1965-2025: 60 YEARS OF NATIONHOOD

The Cook Islands is counting down to the biggest celebration in its history. Find out what's happening and why

CELEBRATION OF A NATION

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

VIDEO: YEARS OF CHANGE AND CHALLENGE

PODCAST: ORGANISING THE CELEBRATIONS

EXPLORE SOME MORE

WHAT'S ON

WHALE WATCHING SEASON
June to October More info
DISCO DANCE PARTIES
6 and 28 June
CONSTITUTION 60TH CELEBRATIONS OFFICIAL OPENING AND PARADE
25 July

EVENTS CALENDAR

INSIGHT

SOUVENIRS OF NOTE!
Unique memories are the lasting souvenirs of a Cook Islands visit, but if you're after something more tangible there's everything from precious black pearls and unique scents to a $3 note!

TAKE THE ISLANDS HOME

DID YOU KNOW?

CRICKET OR IS IT?
Islanders on Pukapuka play their own form of cricket with a three sided bat  and 20-40 players. Games last an indefinite number of days and insulting the other players is all part of the fun!

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 by the website author. Sales profits to dementia charities
2025 EDITION JUST PUBLISHED

MORE THAN A GUIDEBOOK

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FEATU​RED ISLAND

Mitiaro shoreline

Only a handful of tourists visit MITIARO each year, even though it's a short flight from Rarotonga. But visitors will discover a neat and beautiful place with crystal clear pools in limestone caves and the only freshwater lakes in the Cooks. They're teeming with prawns and a type of eel that islanders compare to caviar

EXPLORE MITIARO

NEW IN PARADISE

Aitutaki lagoon

Aitutaki is a great place to just relax on the beach or swim in the pristine lagoon. But if you're after ideas on what else to do from bonefishing, island dancing and kite surfing to running a marathon (!), check out this new list of things to make your visit even more special

TOP 10 TO DO IN AITUTAKI

PODCAST

Cook Islands podcast

Palmerston is one of the most isolated islands in the world with a unique story to tell. Join me on a virtual tour with the help of Stella Neale, a direct descendant of the Englishman who established a dynasty there in the 19th century. Learn about daily life and get an insight into ​Stella's remarkable ancestor

LISTEN NOW
ALL PODCASTS

FEATURED ISLAND

Mitiaro shoreline

Only a handful of tourists visit MITIARO each year, even though it's a short flight from Rarotonga. But visitors will discover a neat and beautiful place with crystal clear pools in limestone caves and the only freshwater lakes in the Cooks. They're teeming with prawns and a type of eel that islanders compare to caviar

EXPLORE MITIARO

NEW IN PARADISE

Celebrating 60 years of self rule video

Aitutaki is a great place to just relax on the beach or swim in the pristine lagoon. But if you're after ideas on what else to do from bonefishing, island dancing and kite surfing to running a marathon (!), check out this new list of things to make your visit even more special

TOP 10 TO DO IN AITUTAKI

PODCAST

Cook Islands podcast

Palmerston is one of the most isolated islands in the world with a unique story to tell. Join me on a virtual tour with the help of Stella Neale, a direct descendant of the Englishman who established a dynasty there in the 19th century. Learn about daily life and get an insight into ​Stella's remarkable ancestor

LISTEN NOW ALL PODCASTS

MY COOK ISLANDS

"Images and recollections will be entwined in the realisation that this collection of disparate, far-flung islands constitutes one of the loveliest, least spoiled lands on earth"
Ewan Smith, Managing Director of Air Rarotonga in his book, 'The Cook Islands

More books about the Cook Islands