Fifteen Islands and an Unhurried Welcome
The Cook Islands are a self-governing island nation in free association with New Zealand, scattered across the South Pacific between Samoa and French Polynesia. Fifteen islands, split into a northern and southern group, share a total land area of around 240 square kilometres, and Rarotonga is the largest and the main gateway. The islands are known for clear lagoons, uncrowded beaches, rugged volcanic interiors and a culture that blends Polynesian heritage with the ease of island life.
Rarotonga is a high volcanic island, ringed by a coast road that takes about 45 minutes to drive end to end, with a reef-fringed lagoon on every side. Muri Lagoon, on the southeast coast, is a classic for kayaking and sailing, while the Cross-Island Track climbs through rainforest to the Needle, a rock pinnacle with views over both coasts. Local culture is celebrated in dance, drumming and ukulele music, and the islands are known for their intricate tivaevae quilts and carved crafts.
Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Island Nights
Aitutaki, a short flight from Rarotonga, is the second great draw, with one of the Pacific's most beautiful lagoons, pale sandbanks and the tiny motu of One Foot Island. Lagoon cruises with a picnic, snorkelling among giant clams and fishing trips are signature days out. Atiu, Mitiaro and Mauke, the quieter islands, offer caves, birdlife and an unhurried village welcome for those who travel further.
Evenings centre on the island night, a feast of fish, taro, coconut and breadfruit followed by drumming and dance, and on the Punanga Nui market in Avarua, which fills with food stalls and crafts each Saturday morning. A hotel group can sell the islands' scale, with boutique lodges, villas and beachfront resorts all within easy reach. The Cook Islands combine neatly with Tahiti, Samoa and Fiji, and with a stop in New Zealand on the way.
Read the full The Cook Islands guide on Visit Travel Group, or see TheCookIslands.co.uk on Visit Travel Group.