Looking for the ultimate Travel Guide to the Cook Islands? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re plotting a full Cook Islands itinerary, figuring out the best things to do in Rarotonga and Aitutaki, or hunting down where to stay on the Cook Islands, this Cook Islands Itinerary has all the deets you’re going to need. 🌴
Just six hours from Australia’s East Coast, the Cook Islands are an amazing Bali alternative. Turquoise lagoons, soft white sand, and island vibes that make you forget what day it is.
From the main hub of Rarotonga with its lush jungles, waterfalls and vibrant markets, to the crown jewel of Aitutaki with its picture-perfect lagoon and snorkeling spots, this Cook Island’s Travel Guide covers everything you need to plan your ultimate island escape.
Where are the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands are a dreamy collection of 15 islands scattered across the South Pacific Ocean, and yes, they are basically paradise IRL. 🌴 The islands are split into two groups: the Southern Group, where the main hub Rarotonga sits, and the Northern Group, made up of smaller, more remote islands. Rarotonga is where most travelers touch down, it’s the gateway to your Cook Islands adventure, full of lush mountains, waterfalls, vibrant markets, and reef-lined beaches perfect for your first dip in crystal-clear waters.
Just 220 kilometers north of Rarotonga lies the crown jewel of the islands: Aitutaki Atoll. This is one of the most Instagramable spots in the South Pacific, famous for its turquoise lagoon, sandbanks, and reef teeming with turtles. giant travally, rays, giant clams, and rainbow fish. Whether you’re snorkeling, diving, or just floating in your own little slice of heaven, Aitutaki is a must-see destination for anyone planning a Cook Islands itinerary.
How to get to the Cook Islands
Firstly, you are going to need to get to Rarotonga!
✈️There are direct flights to Rarotonga (or connecting through) Australia’s East Coast, New Zealand, Tahiti and Hawaii.
THEN, if you plan on visiting Aitutaki (which I STRONGLY suggest) it is only a short 40-minute flight from Rarotonga and can be visited on a day trip or for a few nights, like we did!
Search flights here:
Where to Stay on the Cook Islands
Where to stay on Rarotonga
Rarotonga has accommodation for every vibe and budget. Think beachfront bungalows, boutique hotels, and budget-friendly homestays. Bonus? It’s way more affordable than many other South Pacific islands.
Best area to stay: Muri Lagoon, hands down. You’ll be right on calm, glassy water that’s perfect for SUP and kayaking, plus walking distance to night markets, cafes, and restaurants.
Where we stayed: Avana Waterfront Apartments — waterfront views, pool, free kayaks, and close to everything. Zero regrets.
Where to stay on Aitutaki
There are lots of options on Aitutaki, and it all comes down to your budget. Because the island is not very big the location is as big of an issue. You will want to hire a bike or car in Aitutaki as well, similar to Rarotonga.
Mid Range: We stayed at the Paradise Cove Lodge, they were great value for money for a beachfront bungalow, on a beautiful stretch of beach where you could enjoy the most beautiful sunset.
Luxury: If money was no issue, I would have chosen to stay at Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort. It is located right near the lagoon, on a private island and is pure luxury! They have overwater bungalows, and villas with private pools. Definitely work the money for the experience.
First Stop: Rarotonga
Rarotonga is the main hub and the place you’ll fly into. Think lush jungle, vibrant markets, and epic sunsets. You can hire a scooter, car, or even jump on the $5 local bus to explore. Don’t forget to stock up on sim cards at the airport—Vodafone’s got you covered with 10–20GB plans so you can keep the ‘gram happy.
Thing to do in the Cook Islands – Rarotonga
- Circle the island: Rent a scooter ($30-40), bike or car ($75-85) and drive around the entire island. There’s also a reliable bus service on Rarotonga and it costs $5 a ride.
- Explore the Muri Lagoon: hire a canoe and paddle to isolated islands.
- Beach time: Chill on gorgeous beaches, snorkel the reef, or just soak up sun and sea.
- Muri Night Markets: Tues / Wed / Thurs and Sundays 5-9pm. Enjoy the laid-back island vibe, eat fresh seafood, local produce, and maybe try something unique for dinner.
- Punanga Nui Weekend Markets: Enjoy shopping for local arts, souvenirs, and local foods.
- Visit Wigmore Waterfall, for a swim
- Sunset cocktails & chill: Ideal for watching the sky turn pink over Pacific waters — pure island magic.
- Favourite restaurants: Sails Restaurant and Rarotonga Sailing Club (both in Muri) and Charlies in Akapuao.
Second Stop: Aitutaki island
When visiting the Cook Islands, it’s almost a MUST to visit this beautiful atoll, known as Aitutaki Island. Aitutaki Island is one of the Cook Islands most POPULAR destination and there is GOOD REASON! Aitutaki consists of the main island, surrounded by incredible sand banks, a turquoise lagoon and a surrounding barrier reef. The lagoon’s waters have an abundance of marine life, including turtles, rays, GT’s and giant clams making it an incredible DIVE and SNORKELLING Destination.
Things to do on the Cook Islands – Aitutaki
- Lagoon Cruise: Must-do. Tours like Teking Tours offer full-day cruises — including One Foot Island, Honeymoon Island, snorkeling with giant trevally and clams, turtle spotting plus a BBQ lunch. Total bliss.
- Water Taxi: Grab a Water Taxi to One Foot Island, Honeymoon Island or Maina Island, get dropped off and deserted for a few hours of relaxation.
- Snorkeling & Diving: The lagoon’s teeming with marine life — perfect for snorkelers and divers wanting to see turtles, rays, reef fish or giant clams.
- Island Loop: Rent a bike or car and circle the island — about an hour total. Make several stops — lookouts, snorkel spots, sandbars, hidden gems.
- Ootu Beach – is where you can access the lagoon and sandbar
- Beach‑Barbecue/Vibes: Relax on sandbars, soak up the sun, grab local food, and enjoy those postcard-perfect views.
- Honeymoon/Lagoon Islands: Explore tiny islets around the lagoon — stunning views, insane starlight at night, dreamy escapes.
- Sunset: watch the sunset over the water, on the eastern side or at the lookout (track opposite Paradise Cove Lodge)
- Watch the planes take off and race them along the adjacent road.
- Favourite Restaurants: The Boat Shed Bar & Grill (theres great snorkelling here as well in the passage so bring your snorkels) and Blue Lagoon Restaurant & Bar
Day Tour to Aitutaki (with Air Rarotonga)
If you are limited on time, it is possible to visit Aitutaki on a day trip.
This is booked through Air Rarotonga
Basic Travel Tips for The Cook Islands – Aitutaki and Rarotonga
- Visitors must have a valid passport and onward/return ticket (you need to show this at immigration so have it ready).
- No visa is required for stays up to 31 days for many countries, but check specific requirements based on your nationality.
- Currency: The official currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but some places only take cash. We used a WISE card where ever we travel and find the exchange rates are so much better than any bank!
- Weather: The Cook Islands enjoy a tropical climate year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F).
- The wet season runs from November to March, while the dry season is from April to October.
- Getting around the islands is primarily done by renting scooters $25/30, bicycles, or cars $70+. We used Polynesian Rental Cars
- There’s also a reliable bus service on Rarotonga and it costs $5 a ride.
- Inter-island flights available for island hopping (AND Aitituki is a must!)
- Health and Safety: The Cook Islands are generally safe for travelers. Definitely bring sunscreen and mosquito spray.
- Internet: Buy a sim at the airport through Vodaphone! Wifi is scarce, even at your hotels, and is usually paid for. A sim with 20gb costs $69 or 10gb for $49.
- Time Zone: The Cook Islands operate on Cook Islands Time (CKT), which is a whole day behind Australia. It’s one hour behind Hawaii Standard Time. (Check you book your accommodation accordingly.
Cook Islands Travel Guide Wrap
From Rarotonga’s jungle-backed beaches to Aitutaki’s postcard-perfect lagoons, the Cook Islands are an easy tropical escape, just about six hours from Australia’s East Coast, and a brilliant Bali alternative for travelers looking for something a little quieter, a little more magical, and a lot more photogenic.
