In the Cook Islands it's
The most visited and most developed of the islands. The only international airport and gateway to the rest of the Cooks
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
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
Want to know more but pushed for time? Click on this icon to start a whirlwind tour of discovery with lots of useful information
PURSUIT IN PARADISE MARATHON
28 April-1 May, Aitutaki
DANCER OF THE YEAR
9 May
CONSTITUTION 60TH CELEBRATIONS OFFICIAL OPENING AND PARADE
25 July
WINDOW ON THE UNIVERSE
With almost no light pollution, a walk along the beach at night is an awe-inspiring experience even if you're not usually into stargazing. And the sights have been captured like never before
The Cook Islands were given their name, by a famous Russian explorer and map maker, Adam Johann Von Krusenstern who wanted to honour his hero, Captain Cook. They were known before that as the Hervey (or Hervey's) Islands
FASCINATING FACTSStories 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
MORE THAN A GUIDEBOOKSearch this site
Mrs Robert Louis Stevenson called SUWARROW the most romantic island in the world. It wasn't the inspiration for her husband's famous novel, but it is a real treasure island in more ways than one. For 15 years it was home to just one man. And more recently, it was claimed as the capital of a new Russian empire!
NEW IN PARADISE
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
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 NOWMrs Robert Louis Stevenson called SUWARROW the most romantic island in the world. It wasn't the inspiration for her husband's famous novel, but it is a real treasure island in more ways than one. For 15 years it was home to just one man. And more recently, it was claimed as the capital of a new Russian empire!
EXPLORE SUWARROWAitutaki 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 AITUTAKIPalmerston 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 PODCASTSMY COOK ISLANDS
"You create your own mixture of tropical life. White beaches. Lagoon swimming. Unsmogged skies. Moonlight on palm trees. Make up your own magic"
From "How to Get Lost and Found in the Cook Islands" by John W. McDermott