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Cook Islands Travel Guide
Click RED links for our recommended accommodation: Cook Islands Resort Listings
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The Cook Islands are made up of 15 islands in two groups. The main island is Rarotonga, just 67 sq. km. and along with Aitutaki Lagoon, a 45-minute flight to the north, accounts for over 95% of Cook Island travel interest. Discerning Cook Island travel evolves around the more traditional islands of Atiu, Mauke and Mangaia to the east. The remote Northern Group are lagoon atolls rarely visited.
Rarotonga
Rarotonga is a high volcanic island with dramatic rainforest peaks and gorgeous tropical beaches. The island takes less than an hour to travel around by moped and hotels and restaurants are strung out along the coastal road.
Main island with nice beach locations and water activities
Good variety of tours, lots of accommodation
Trekking through rainforest with waterfall, streams and views
Good diving (mostly marine life) and some good snorkelling spots
Plenty of accommodation for all budgets and tastes
Round island tours, boutiques, churches and ancient maraes
Polynesian culture and dancing, cafes, bars and nightclubs
... detailed Rarotonga Travel Guide
Rarotonga Accommodation Options
Aitutaki Lagoon
Aitutaki, a 45 minute flight to the north of Rarotonga, has a gorgeous lagoon surrounded by idyllic tiny coral atolls and picture postcard palm fringed beaches. There's plenty of accommodation on Aitutaki to choose from.
Fantastic lagoon with good snorkelling
Plenty of accommodation and tours
Several good beaches on main island and budget beach bungalows
Good for exploring by foot or bike with nice coastal views
Attractive villages, friendly people and relaxed lifestyle
One Foot Island with its picturesque palm-fringed beach
Akaiami Island with its original flying boat terminal
... detailed Aitutaki Travel Guide
Aitutaki Accommodation Options
Atiu
Atiu, a 45-minute flight east of Rarotonga is an up-and-coming destination. The appeal here is for discerning travellers to explore the cove beaches, caves and local culture. There are six accommodation options on Atiu from self contained bungalows to backpacker rooms.
Limestone caves and cliffs
Deserted cove beaches but no swimming
Traditional villages and lifestyle and friendly people
Bush beer and singing with the locals
Good tropical scenery and bird life
Bike hire and tours available
Pleasant villas and guesthouse accommodation
... detailed Atiu Travel Guide
Mangaia, Mauke, Mitiaro
Other islands in the Southern Group include Mangaia, the oldest of the Cook Islands, Mauke and Mitiaro which are also uplifted limestone islands and the remote Palmerston Atoll which lies almost 310 miles to the north of Aitutaki.
Few tourists
Limestone caves and cliffs
Traditional villages and culture
Limited tourist infrastructure, bike hire and tours
Limited guesthouse accommodation
... detailed Mangaia Travel Guide
... detailed Mauke Travel Guide
... detailed Mitiaro Travel Guide
Palmerston Atoll
Tiny remote lagoon atoll
No tourist infrastructure
Olde English and the Marsters Family
... detailed Palmerston Travel Guide
The Northern Atolls
The Northern Group is rarely visited by travellers and are almost 4 hours flight from Aitutaki. There are six groups of islands in all. Each one is a collection of tiny flat coral atolls, most under 20 feet high, forming a circle around a large central lagoon.
Tiny remote lagoon atolls about 3-4 hour flight from Rarotonga
Black Pearl farming
Very traditional lifestyle
No tourist infrastructure
Local family stay only on Penryn Atoll
Cargo boat takes about 4 days ($300 round trip)
... detailed Northern Group Travel Guide
Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Fiji Travel Guide
Samoa Travel Guide
Tonga Travel Guide
Tahiti Travel Guide
Hawaii Travel Guide
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Pacific Travel Guides is an independent publisher specializing in the South Pacific providing free and unbiased tourist information on the Internet as well as coffee table photographic books to help travellers plan their holidays.
Please note that we are not a booking agent and are unable to offer personal advice, recommendations or a booking service nor are we set up to answer email enquiries about the region.
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Last Updated
28 August 2009
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