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 holiday to the Cook Islands.
You could explore the mountainous interior of Rarotonga, the main island, as well as its coast, on your Cook Islands holiday. 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 snorkelling, 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 holiday to the Cook Islands could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.
-
![Rarotonga, the Cook Islands]()
-
![Lagoon cruise, Aitutaki]()
-
![Rarotonga]()
-
![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.
-
Day Trip to Aitutaki ![Aitutaki, The Cook Islands]()
Day Trip to Aitutaki
RarotongaDay Trip to Aitutaki
Enjoy a scenic flight over to Aitutaki where you will have a short tour of the island before joining your cruise, enjoying a selection of fresh tropical fruit whilst sailing out into the crystal clear lagoon.
View details -
Highland Paradise Cultural Tour ![Rarotonga Mountains]()
Highland Paradise Cultural Tour
RarotongaHighland Paradise Cultural Tour
The Highland Paradise Cultural Tour takes you high up into the rugged mountains of Rarotonga to an open-air museum, showcasing evidence of a historical lost village and the survival of the Polynesian people.
View details -
Full Day Lagoon Cruise ![Lagoon cruise, Aitutaki]()
Full Day Lagoon Cruise
AitutakiFull Day Lagoon Cruise
Enjoy 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 travelling to the Cook Islands, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest FCDO travel advice.
Request our brochure
Covering all seven continents, The world your way shows you how you can see the world with us. It features trip ideas from our specialists alongside hand-picked stays and experiences, and introduces our approach to creating meaningful travel experiences.
The Cook Islands in pictures
-
![Local church, Rarotonga]()
Attend a church service -
![Bishop's cruise. Aitutaki]()
Cruise the lagoons -
![Cross Island Trek with Pa, Rarotonga]()
Take a 4x4 safari -
![Snorkelling on Aitutaki, Cook Islands]()
Dive off the coasts of Rarotonga and Aitutaki -
![Hibiscus, Aitutaki]()
Experience a December parade -
![Aitutaki, The Cook Islands]()
Visit Aitutaki lagoon
Our expert guides to travelling 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.
-
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 -
South Pacific cruises ![Cook's Bay, Moorea]()
South Pacific cruises
South Pacific cruises
Enjoy exploring the South Pacific islands while on a cruise with time for relaxation, activities and cultural insights.
Read this guide -
Family holidays in the South Pacific ![One Foot Island, Aitutaki, The Cook Islands]()
Family holidays in the South Pacific
Family holidays 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 holiday.
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 unspoilt 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 holiday 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.
