Tailor-made The Cook Islands: Introduction

Scattered over an area the size of Western Europe, the 15 tiny islands that make up the Cook Islands sparkle brightly in the deep blue of the South Pacific.

Around 500AD Polynesian explorers reached the shores of Rarotonga, having crossed the seas from the central Pacific and Melanesia over the course of millennia. For hundreds of years the settlers enjoyed the immense natural beauty of these islands, relishing in the abundance of fruits from the dense, emerald rainforests, fishing in the translucent azure waters, and delighting in the flawless, snow-white beaches. European conquest brought dark days to this natural paradise - bullying missionaries and brutal slave traders led to a steady trend of emigration and decline.

Today the story is very different, and even by South Pacific standards these islands are a haven of calm. The lack of development emphasises the islands’ amazing beauty: rainforested mountain peaks rise over perfect beaches, and teeming coral reefs and peaceful lagoons colour the shallow waters. The physical beauty is accompanied by a vibrant culture influenced by the Christian missionaries, but with an underlying ancient Polynesian culture of gods, myths and legends: The Cook Islands match their natural beauty with a wealth of cultural complexities.

Selected Highlights

Our specialists have travelled the length and breadth of the country to research the best places to stay and things to do. Here they list a few of their favourite “unmissables”.

Take a 4WD Jeep safari on Rarotonga

A great way to get a feel for the geographical lay of the land is to go on a 4WD Jeep Safari which takes you off the beaten track into the valleys and...  [more]

Enjoy the water at Aitutaki Lagoon

Aitutaki lagoon is the picture postcard destination. The pristine blue water, white sand beaches and deserted islands make you feel a million miles...  [more]

Worship at Cook Islands Christian Church

The CICC is vitally important to most islanders for whom it has a profound influence on everything they do every day. Visitors are most welcome to...  [more]