Cook Islands Travel Guide Book: Your Essential Journey to Paradise
The Cook Islands stands out as a premier recommendation for anyone seeking a perfect tropical escape. Its unique blend of breathtaking beauty and minimal crowds offers an experience truly special. From the vibrant turquoise lagoons of Aitutaki to the lush tropical landscapes of Rarotonga, a vacation here embodies the essence of a true island paradise. Locals playfully suggest the color blue was invented here, and it’s easy to see why! If you’re planning your trip, consider this Cook Islands Travel Guide Book your essential resource to making the most of your journey to this Polynesian gem. It offers a taste of the magic found in destinations like Kauai and Bora Bora, reminiscent of their untouched past.
[Image 1 – Original Intro Image]Cook Islands guide book feature tropical beach view
Cook Islands at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview for planning your trip:
- Duration: Recommended 6 days across two main islands.
- Rarotonga (3 days): The primary island, offering diverse hotel, dining, and beach options, serving as a great starting point.
- Aitutaki (3 days): A remote island famous for its surrounding lagoons, stunning clear blue water, and exceptional hotel choices.
- Best Time to Visit: April through November
- Getting There: Direct flights available from Los Angeles & Sydney
- Getting Around: Car or motorcycle rental recommended; walking is also possible.
- Currency: New Zealand Dollars (NZD)
- Language: English
Rarotonga: The Main Island Charm
Our journey began flying into Rarotonga with Air New Zealand from Los Angeles, arriving just before sunrise. As the main island, it offers convenience yet surprises with numerous untouched beaches and stunning landscapes. A refreshing law prohibits buildings from being taller than a coconut tree, preserving the raw beauty and allowing for thoughtful development, unlike places overwhelmed by large hotels and tourism.
Where to Stay in Rarotonga
Choosing accommodation is key to a great Cook Islands Travel Guide Book experience. Rarotonga offers options ranging from luxurious beachfront villas to unique eco-retreats.
- Crystal Blue Lagoon Villas: ($$$$) A modern, spacious boutique property right on the beachfront. With just 6 suites, it feels exclusive. Its location is ideal, being a short walk from markets, cafes, and restaurants. We enjoyed having the pool mostly to ourselves.
White sand beach palm trees One Foot Island Cook Islands travel
- Ocean Escape Resort & Spa: ($$$) Provides more affordable villas with sea views. Centrally located around a pool and steps from the beach, it’s great for couples and families seeking value without sacrificing location.
For travelers preparing for a long weekend trip, finding the right stay is crucial. Planning ahead, especially regarding accommodation, helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, whether you’re looking for best places to travel for long weekend or an extended Cook Islands adventure.
- Ikurangi Eco Retreat: ($$$) Offers a unique, luxurious glamping experience nestled in the tropical rainforest. This eco-friendly boutique hotel provides the ultimate glamping getaway. We found sitting on the porch, listening to the rain with jungle views, incredibly relaxing. It’s perfect if you seek something unique and don’t mind being inland rather than beachfront.
Aitutaki lagoon boat tour One Foot Island Cook Islands
- Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa: ($$$$) An incredible option for a romantic escape, with each room being a private villa featuring its own pool. If romance is your priority for this Cook Islands trip, this is the ideal spot.
- Pacific Resort Rarotonga: ($$$$) Known for Polynesian luxury and hospitality, located on Muri Beach, one of Rarotonga’s most pristine white-sand beaches. This highly-rated hotel has a sister property in Aitutaki.
Houses on Rarotonga
For those preferring something different or more budget-friendly, exploring house rentals and villas is a great option. Our cook islands travel guide book includes these notable picks:
- Honey Rose Retreat ($$) – A new, modern space perfect for couples with a deck and private pool.
- Vaka Beach Cottage ($$) – A beachfront oasis perched over clear blue waters. Tends to book quickly.
- Casa del Sol ($$$) – Two villas connected by a garden and pool, great for groups. Also books up fast.
- Rutaki Retreat ($$) – A 3-bedroom property within a lush private garden, walking distance from the beach.
- Lagoon Breeze Villas ($$) – Offers 1-bedroom properties with a pool and includes daily breakfast.
- Take-a-break Islander ($$) – Excellent value for a beachfront villa, ideal for couples.
- Motu Beachfront Art Villas ($$$) – Adults-only, bright, airy accommodation with private beach access.
- Rainbow Villas ($$$) – Charming villas offering expansive jungle views, plus a terrace and pool.
- Rarotonga Beach Bungalows ($$$$) – Quintessential beach bungalows equipped with amenities, just steps from the water.
View Additional Hotels and Houses in Rarotonga
Where We’d Stay Again in Rarotonga
If revisiting, we’d opt to split the stay between a beachfront villa and a jungle property. A beachfront stay like Rumours Luxury Villas or Crystal Blue Lagoon Villas offers easy water access and proximity to great dining. We only stayed one night at Ikurangi Eco Retreat but absolutely loved it and would definitely return for an additional night or two to experience the tranquil inland setting.
Where to Eat in Rarotonga
A comprehensive cook islands travel guide book must include dining recommendations. Rarotonga has a variety of spots, from casual local joints to beachfront restaurants.
- Le Bon Vivant (LBV): This was a seriously addictive breakfast spot, conveniently located across from our hotel in Rarotonga. Highlights included the french toast with banana and local goat’s cheese omelet, but their entire menu is excellent.
Breakfast outdoors Le Bon Vivant cafe Rarotonga Cook Islands
[Image 6 – The beach across from Le Bon Vivant]
Beach across from Le Bon Vivant Rarotonga Cook Islands
- Vili’s Burger Joint: For the best local burgers, head to Vili’s. All beef is locally sourced. It’s also conveniently located across from the Muri Beach outdoor night market. Open for lunch and dinner.
- Vaima Restaurant: Offers a relaxed lunch experience right on the beach. The menu features mostly local cuisine, including delicious fresh fish. They have rotating specials and a different menu for dinner.
Tables on sand Vaima Restaurant Rarotonga Cook Islands
- Trader Jack’s: We discovered this local favorite on our last night and wished we’d found it sooner. Everything we ordered was delicious. For a unique dish, try the sashimi pizza – it sounds unusual but tastes amazing.
- Kai Pizza: Always a popular choice for a simple, satisfying meal.
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- Rarotonga Brewery: A must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts. This local brewery offers picnic tables by the ocean. We filled a flask here on our first day. They also sell homemade kombucha.
- Beluga: A trendy spot for brunch and lunch with a great outdoor patio for a relaxing afternoon. Their coffee is delicious. They also sell gifts.
Brunch lattes Beluga Cafe Rarotonga Cook Islands
Things to Do in Rarotonga
This cook islands travel guide book highlights some must-do activities on the main island.
- Visit the Muri Night Market: This market is a lively hub for locals and visitors. We sampled food from several popular stands, with the chicken kebabs with mushroom sauce being particularly memorable. Come hungry! Note: Cash only. Open Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 5 PM – 9 PM.
- Take a Jeep tour: Rarotonga is the largest Cook Island with the highest peak. A jeep tour, like those offered by Raro Mountain Safari Tours, is a great way to reach the highest lookout point and visit a waterfall.
Rarotonga jungle mountain lookout Cook Islands travel guide
[Image 10 – Rarotonga jungle lookout 2]
Coconuts view Rarotonga mountain Cook Islands travel
- Watch the sunset at Black Rock Beach: During the day, it’s a perfect swimming spot. In the evening, it offers the best sunset view on the island.
Black Rock Beach swimming hole Rarotonga Cook Islands
- Join a boat tour: Options include the popular glass-bottom boat tour by Koka Lagoon Tours, which takes you to snorkel in some of Rarotonga’s clearest water. Great for the experience, but expect crowds.
- Go paddle-boarding: Rent a paddle-board from places like Captain Tama’s at Muri Beach to explore the bay. Evening tours with lights to see sea life are also available and are on our list for a future visit.
For travelers bringing specialized equipment, understanding logistics is vital. Just as you’d research traveling with a bike on a plane, planning for transport and activities with specific gear in the Cook Islands ensures a hassle-free trip.
Top Rarotonga Photo Spots
Here are our favorite spots for capturing the beauty of Rarotonga:
- Sunrise on the sand in front of Crystal Blue Lagoon Villas – Google Maps
- Rarotonga’s highest viewpoint – Google Maps
- Black Rock beach – Google Maps
Aitutaki: The Stunning Lagoon Paradise
[Image 4 – Underwater shot]
Snorkeling fish turquoise water One Foot Island Cook Islands
Aitutaki is small, lush, and incredibly beautiful. Unlike Rarotonga, it offers fewer options for restaurants or activities, focusing more on relaxation and natural splendor. Our cook islands travel guide book highly recommends splurging on accommodation here to truly immerse yourself in the experience. Visiting the surrounding islands by boat is essential – it’s the only way to reach some of the world’s most amazing beaches, including the iconic One Foot Island.
Where to Stay in Aitutaki
Accommodation in Aitutaki often centers around maximizing the lagoon experience.
- Pacific Resort Aitutaki: ($$$$) Offers high-end jungle bungalows located right on the beach. We absolutely loved our stay here. The staff is wonderful, the pool area is great, and the breakfast buffet is excellent. Watching the sunset from our hammock each evening was a definite highlight.
Deck view jungle bungalow Pacific Resort Aitutaki Cook Islands
[Image 14 – Our jungle bungalow]
Jungle bungalow beach Pacific Resort Aitutaki Cook Islands
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- Etu Moana Beach Villas: ($$$$) An adults-only option right on the beach. These spacious, traditionally inspired villas include free bikes and a pool. The thatched roofs and wood accents provide an authentic South Pacific feel.
- Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort: ($$$$) If the overwater bungalow experience is your dream, this is the place. Situated on its own private island, the bungalows are perched over stunningly clear blue water. Getting to the mainland is a quick 2-minute ferry ride if you choose to leave the resort paradise.
Overwater bungalow Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort Cook Islands
Houses on Aitutaki
Aitutaki is small, so planning ahead for short-term rentals is crucial. Our cook islands travel guide book suggests these options:
- Aitutaki Seaside Lodges ($$) – Quiet beachfront bungalows directly on the water.
- Rangiriri Vacay ($$) – A renovated 1-bedroom vacation home with garden views. Owners have a second property available.
- Aitutaki Escape ($$$$) – Luxury villas featuring beachside patios and private swimming pools.
View Additional Hotels and Houses in Aitutaki
Where We’d Stay Again in Aitutaki
While our beachfront bungalow at Pacific Resort Aitutaki was wonderful, we’d love to experience something different next time by staying at Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort. Waking up in an overwater bungalow remains a dream.
Where to Eat in Aitutaki
Aitutaki is remote, meaning dining options outside of hotels are limited. This section of our cook islands travel guide book covers where to find great food.
- Koru Cafe: Easily our favorite spot on the island for breakfast or lunch. The food is fresh, tasty, and healthy. They serve breakfast all day and delicious lattes.
Breakfast outdoors Koru Cafe Aitutaki Cook Islands
[Image 17 – Lunch near beach]
Lunch view beach Aitutaki Cook Islands travel
- The Boat Shed: We stumbled upon this old-school cafe and bar when another restaurant was closed. It offers a variety of local food in a casual setting and can get lively on weekends.
- Tauono’s: A hidden gem serving food grown in the owner’s garden. A great option for vegetarian dishes, homemade cakes, and fresh local fruit. Open for brunch and lunch during the week.
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Things to Do in Aitutaki
The highlight of Aitutaki is its stunning lagoon. Our cook islands travel guide book suggests these activities:
- Take a boat to One Foot Island: To fully experience Aitutaki’s beauty, a boat tour is absolutely essential. Each islet and lagoon offers unique beauty. The beaches on One Foot Island are particularly unmissable. The island has a small post office where you can get your passport stamped and enjoy a beer. We took a private charter with Wet and Wild Aitutaki.
Tropical paradise beach One Foot Island Aitutaki Cook Islands
- Take out kayaks or canoes – if you stay at Pacific Resort Aitutaki or Etu Moana, both offer rentals allowing you to explore nearby beaches and coral reefs independently.
- Attend an island night – Similar to a luau, this features endless, delicious buffets and is a fun way to experience local culture. We attended the one at our hotel, but the show at Tamanu Beach is said to be more spectacular. Contact the hotel directly to book.
- Try kite surfing – Aitutaki is a world-renowned spot for kite surfing, attracting amateurs and professionals. If you’ve ever wanted to try, this is the place. Boats depart daily to Honeymoon Island, where you can kite surf alone or with an instructor.
Crystal clear water Honeymoon Island Aitutaki Cook Islands
[Image 21 – Honeymoon Island sandbars]
Turquoise water sandbars Honeymoon Island Aitutaki Cook Islands
- Relax poolside – We enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and poolside restaurant at Pacific Resort Aitutaki. A bonus was the endless supply of fresh coconuts.
- Hike Aitutaki Atoll – This is the highest point on the island and offers beautiful views. We parked and took a short (but steep) 5-minute walk up for sunset. The view and the walk down are lovely. Remember bug spray!
Aitutaki Atoll hike climb Cook Islands travel guide
[Image 23 – Aitutaki Atoll sunset]
Sunset view Aitutaki Atoll hike Cook Islands
Top Aitutaki Photo Spots
Our favorite spots for photography in Aitutaki include:
- Unreal beaches at One Foot Island – Google Maps
- Sunset from Pacific Resort Aitutaki – Google Maps
- The top of Aitutaki atoll – Google Maps
Planning Your Cook Islands Escape
The Cook Islands offer an unparalleled tropical getaway, combining stunning natural beauty with a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere. Both Rarotonga and Aitutaki provide unique experiences, from exploring lush jungles and vibrant markets to relaxing on world-famous lagoons and remote islets. We hope this cook islands travel guide book provides you with the essential information and inspiration needed to plan your own unforgettable journey to this South Pacific paradise. Whether you seek adventure, romance, or pure relaxation, the Cook Islands deliver.
