The Cook Islands sway to their own languorous beat. Then, it’s hard not to slow your pace in an archipelago devoid of traffic lights (and, for that matter, any real traffic — unless you count scooters and chickens). For our specialists, the Cook Islands’ appeal goes beyond their quintessentially South Pacific vistas, white-sand beaches, rainforest, and mint-blue ocean. It’s their unhurried lifestyle, lack of international chains, and thriving community traditions that really make a vacation to the Cook Islands.
You could explore the mountainous interior of Rarotonga, the main island, as well as its coast, on your Cook Islands vacation. Our specialists will also suggest ways to delve into islander culture, such as attending an umu feast (which is cooked in a traditional earth oven) or listening to choral singing at a church service. They’ll also steer you toward Aitutaki, an atoll with a turquoise lagoon ideal for snorkeling, diving, bonefishing, and simply idling.
Creating tailor-made tours for over 25 years
Suggested tours for the Cook Islands
These tours give you a starting point for what your vacation to the Cook Islands could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.
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![Rarotonga, the Cook Islands]()
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![Rarotonga]()
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![Lagoon cruise, Aitutaki]()
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![Paul Gauguin Cruise Ship at Bora Bora, Tahiti]()
Cook Islands & Society Islands cruise on the Paul Gauguin
French Polynesia and Cook IslandsView this tour
Suggested activities for the Cook Islands
Whatever your interests, our specialists will build activities into your trip that connect to how you want to experience the Cook Islands.
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Cross Island Trek ![Cross Island Trek with Pa, Rarotonga]()
Cross Island Trek
RarotongaCross Island Trek
This fascinating walk will take you deep into Rarotonga's lush interior to learn about the local flora and fauna, and their uses in ancestral medicine.
View details -
Muri Lagoon Morning Cruise ![Muri Lagoon in Rarotonga]()
Muri Lagoon Morning Cruise
RarotongaMuri Lagoon Morning Cruise
Enjoy a morning cruise in Muri Lagoon and snorkel and swim among tropical fish in this marine conservation site.
View details -
Full Day Lagoon Cruise ![Lagoon cruise, Aitutaki]()
Full Day Lagoon Cruise
AitutakiFull Day Lagoon Cruise
Enjoy is a full day's cruise around Aitutaki's stunning lagoon.
View details
Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made tours
- Fully protected travel
- Established for over 25 years
- 98% of our clients would recommend us
Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit the Cook Islands, including information about climate, events and festivals.
Travel advice
Practical tips for traveling to the Cook Islands, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest government travel advice.
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The Cook Islands in pictures
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![Aitutaki, The Cook Islands]()
Visit Aitutaki lagoon -
![Bishop's cruise. Aitutaki]()
Cruise the lagoons -
![Snorkelling on Aitutaki, Cook Islands]()
Dive off the coasts of Rarotonga and Aitutaki -
![Cross Island Trek with Pa, Rarotonga]()
Take a 4x4 safari -
![Local church, Rarotonga]()
Attend a church service -
![Hibiscus, Aitutaki]()
Experience a December parade
Our expert guides to traveling in the Cook Islands
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to the Cook Islands. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate the Cook Islands at its best.
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Choosing your ideal South Pacific Island ![Upolu coral reef]()
Choosing your ideal South Pacific Island
Choosing your ideal South Pacific Island
A cross-island guide to the South Pacific. Drawing on their own experiences, our travel specialists discuss the lure of French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Fiji and Samoa with the aim of helping you decide which island is right for you.
Read this guide -
Cruising in the South Pacific ![Cook's Bay, Moorea]()
Cruising in the South Pacific
Cruising in the South Pacific
Enjoy exploring the South Pacific islands while on a cruise with time for relaxation, activities and cultural insights.
Read this guide -
Family vacations in the South Pacific ![One Foot Island, Aitutaki, The Cook Islands]()
Family vacations in the South Pacific
Family vacations in the South Pacific
A warm Pacific island welcome and laid-back atmosphere, combined with reefs and lagoons to explore, and traditional bungalow-style accommodation make the South Pacific an ideal location for a family vacation.
Read this guide -
Honeymoons in the Cook Islands ![Aitutaki, The Cook Islands]()
Honeymoons in the Cook Islands
Honeymoons in the Cook Islands
An island paradise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, with unspoiled beaches and volcanic peaks, the Cook Islands make an ideal destination for a honeymoon. Our specialists can advise on the best places to stay to make your honeymoon extra special.
Read this guide
Other popular destinations
Still looking for ideas? If the Cook Islands has captured your interest, we think you might also like these destinations.
