2025 Cook Islands Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Visited by only 1% of the world's travelers, the Cook Islands are a jewel of the South Pacific, located right next to Tahiti. Its crystal-clear waters are just as stunning as those in Tahiti and the Maldives 🏖️ This is the ultimate way to experience an island getaway! 🥥 **Day 1️⃣** Sydney ✈️ Rarotonga (main island), then Rarotonga ✈️ Aitutaki (outer island). Direct flights to the Cook Islands are only available from Sydney/Auckland/Tahiti/Hawaii. **Day 2️⃣** Join Aitutaki’s classic activity: **Lagoon Cruise** 🛥️ (recommend **Teking Lagoon Tours**). Boat tours showcase Aitutaki’s stunning islets and lagoon, with opportunities for snorkeling 🤿 to see coral 🪸 and tropical fish 🐠 up close. Highlight ‼️ Visit the famous **One Foot Island**, where you can get the world’s most unique "big footprint 👣" stamp at its tiny post office. **Day 3️⃣** Deep-sea fishing with **Kaotea Charters** 🎣 The best-value fishing charter in Aitutaki, where you might catch marlin, tuna, sailfish, or mahi-mahi 🐠. If lucky, you might even spot dolphins 🐬‼️ Other activities on the island: - Kitesurfing & windsurfing 🏄‍♀️ - Kayaking & paddleboarding - Biking around the island to explore its scenery and culture **🔖 Tips:** 1️⃣ **Visa-free** for Chinese passport holders, but transit visas may be required for layovers. 2️⃣ The **NZD** is the main currency. Cash is often needed, so bring enough 💰. 3️⃣ Limited **WiFi** (usually paid) and spotty signal—consider buying a local SIM card. 4️⃣ **Rental cars** 🚗 (left-hand drive) are available in Rarotonga & Aitutaki with AU/NZ/international licenses. 5️⃣ Pack instant noodles/snacks—dining options are limited. 6️⃣ Top **accommodations**: - **Torea Heights Luxury Villa** (sleeps 6, host is super friendly, best value 👍). - Resorts: **Pacific Resort Aitutaki** & **Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort**.

Hidden Gem of the Pacific: The Cook Islands 🏝Rarotonga: A Blend of Nature and Culture Stepping onto Rarotonga is like stepping into a timeless paradise. The soft, white sand beaches, shaped like a crescent moon, fringe the island. Walking on them feels like walking on clouds. In the distance, the gentle lapping of waves against the shore creates a soothing melody. Stroll along the beach and immerse yourself in the lush tropical vegetation. Towering coconut trees sway in the breeze, whispering ancient stories. Venture into the rainforest, where exotic flowers bloom in vibrant colors, filling the air with intoxicating fragrance. Here, you'll encounter the warm hospitality of the islanders, their faces beaming with genuine smiles. They'll share their lives and culture with you, communicating in simple English and unique gestures. Savor the sweet, soft coconut bread they bake, a taste of home that melts in your mouth. 🌅Aitutaki: The Allure of a Dreamy Lagoon Aitutaki is undoubtedly the most beautiful of the Cook Islands, especially its lagoon, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. As you glide into the lagoon by boat, you'll feel like you've entered a blue fairy tale. The water's colors shift from light blue to deep blue to emerald green, shimmering like a finely cut gemstone under the sun. The crystal-clear water allows you to see colorful fish darting among the coral reefs. Put on your snorkeling gear, dive in, and get up close and personal with these charming marine creatures, experiencing the magic of nature. If you're lucky, you might even spot sea turtles swimming gracefully by, their adorable appearance sure to bring a smile to your face. On a small island in the middle of the lagoon, set up a beach umbrella, lie back on a soft beach chair, sip an iced juice, and gaze at the dreamlike scenery. All your worries will melt away as you wish time would stand still. ✨A Romantic Rendezvous Under the Stars The Cook Islands at night offer another enchanting spectacle. Far from the noise and light pollution of cities, the night sky here is exceptionally clear, with twinkling stars so close you feel like you can touch the Milky Way. Lie on the beach, look up at the vast starry sky, and let your thoughts wander. The occasional shooting star adds a touch of romance and mystery. Make a wish with your loved one under the stars, creating an unforgettable memory. The Cook Islands, a place full of magic, captivates everyone who visits with its stunning natural beauty, unique culture, and endless romance. If you're yearning for a dreamlike escape from the everyday world, the Cook Islands are the perfect choice. Trust me, once you set foot on this land, you'll fall deeply in love with it 💕

#getgoing2025 Muri Beach is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in Rarotonga, Cook Islands (🇨🇰). Known for its soft white sand, crystal-clear lagoon, and small offshore islets (motus), it’s a top destination for both relaxation and adventure. Why Visit Muri Beach? • Perfect for Swimming & Snorkeling – Shallow, calm waters with vibrant marine life. • Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Easy access to the nearby motus (Koromiri, Taakoka, Oneroa, and Motutapu). • Muri Night Market – A great place to try local food, fresh seafood, and tropical treats. • Lagoon Cruises – Glass-bottom boat tours with snorkeling, island feasts, and cultural entertainment. • Romantic Sunrises & Sunsets – One of the best spots on the island to enjoy breathtaking views. Things to Do Nearby • Te Vara Nui Village – Experience Cook Islands culture and enjoy a spectacular overwater night show. • Rarotonga Sailing Club – Rent water sports gear or enjoy a drink with ocean views. • Luxury Resorts & Beachfront Bungalows – Stay right on the beach for the ultimate island escape.

#getgoing2025 Aitutaki Lagoon is one of the most stunning and famous attractions in the Cook Islands (🇨🇰). It is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and small uninhabited islands (motus) scattered across the lagoon. Why Visit Aitutaki Lagoon? • Breathtaking Scenery – Often ranked among the most beautiful lagoons in the world. • Snorkeling & Diving – Rich marine life, including colorful fish, coral reefs, and giant clams. • One Foot Island (Tapuaetai) – A famous tiny island with a post office where you can stamp your passport. • Lagoon Cruises – Several operators offer day cruises with snorkeling, beach picnics, and cultural experiences. • Luxury & Seclusion – Aitutaki has high-end resorts and bungalows over the water, making it a perfect romantic getaway.

Few people in the Cook Islands in the South Pacific have heard of its name. When I went to Cook, less than 1,000 Chinese people visited here. We just met the Cook Islands National Day when we were in Cook! At the market square in the capital, Tongariro Island, you can see the girls in the square wearing costumes for the show. On the simple stage, the stars of Cook Island are performing a variety of shows. In addition to singing and performing in the band, the performance of the show is most about jumping the hula. Hula is the traditional dance of the island, but the types of hula dance on several islands in the Cook Islands are different. Men and women dance differently. The hula dance of the teenagers wears wildness and strength. The girls are energetic and gentle.

If calm is the purpose of faith, then I feel that I found my faith in Cook. Quiet lagoon, bright sunshine, simple and happy Cook... Filtering out all the uneasiness and impetuousness is a dream that won't be awakened. Here is the land of love, no trace of pollution, delicate white beaches, colorful sea fish, mirror-like infinity pool, everything is just to work with you to spend every day of romance.

The Cook Islands has the purest sea in the world, and the fish in the sea are not afraid of people. A beach in front of the hotel where I live can play in the water and small fish.