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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
DJ DANCE PARTY
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?

WHAT'S IN A NAME?
The Cook Islands were given their name by a famous Russian explorer and map maker, Adam Johann Von Krusenstern. They were known before that as the Hervey (or Hervey's) Islands

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

Kopeka in cave

This is the kopeka (coo-pea-ka), signature bird of the third most visited of the islands, ATIU and it navigates in pitch black rather like a bat. But even if you don’t know a chicken from a chaffinch, there’s plenty to see and do on this  “land of the birds”. Explore caves, discover deserted beaches and maybe visit a bush beer school.   

EXPLORE ATIU

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

Mangaia beach

This is the kopeka (coo-pea-ka), signature bird of the third most visited of the islands, ATIU and it navigates in pitch black rather like a bat. But even if you don’t know a chicken from a chaffinch, there’s plenty to see and do in this  “land of the birds”. Explore caves, discover deserted beaches and maybe visit a bush beer school.   

EXPLORE ATIU

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

"Our people are naturally hospitable and friendly. You don't often see an islander without a welcoming smile on their face. And why shouldn't we smile? We have so many things to smile about."
Cook Islands children writing about their homeland