Cook Islands Travel Information Introduction

The Cook Islands contain some of the most diverse scenery of any island group in the South Pacific. The scent of frangipani lingers in the air, clear turquoise waters gently stroke the white sandy shores, and the gentle wind sways the fronds of coconut palms.

The magical tranquility is only matched by the people themselves. A smiling face greets you at every turn, the hospitality is warm and spontaneous, and the mood relaxed.

The Cooks are a great place to stop over en route to Australia and New Zealand. They are also a fabulous one-stop vacation destination and are perfect for honeymoons.

Rarotonga is the largest island lying at the southern end of the group. The capital, Avarua is a thriving administrative and shopping centre with restaurants, hotels, banking and other facilities including the international airport. There are first-class resorts, reef-protected bays in which to snorkel, swim and sail and local bus transport which encircles the island every 45 minutes.

From Rarotonga you can visit other Cook Island destinations such as Aitutaki, a 30-minute flight by Air Rarotonga. Atiu, northeast of Rarotonga offers untouched beaches and coral reefs riddled with caves. Mangaia, southeast of Rarotonga is surrounded by a narrow fringing reef backed by the formidable cliffs of Makatea which reach heights of up to 60 metres. Mauke, with its fine caves, is located on the cliffs of the coral reef. Mitiaro which has a large swampy interior; Penryhn, Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Manihiki, Nassau, Palmerston, and Suwarrow have no permanent residences, only a caretaker.

The Southern group also has Manuae, a marine reserve with only a caretaker and Takutea, another uninhabited island which is a bird sanctuary, but there are no regular flights to either of these islands.

The people are mostly Polynesian Cook Island Maoris, related to the New Zealand Maoris and the Tahitians. The Pukapukans however, are unique in that they are closer to the Samoans. Most of the population lives in Rarotonga and in the Southern Group. They are open, friendly people who are happy to introduce you to their way of life. Their local greeting is "Kia Orana" ('may you live on).

Cook Islands Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to the Cook Islands. 

Learn about the history and culture of the Cook Islands, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about the Cook Islands' nature and wildlife, weather and geography, and 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering the Cook Islands for yourself. Start exploring...book one of our Cook Island vacations today!

Extend Your Stay

Consider an additional stopover after or before your Cook island vacation at  one of Goway's other South Pacific destinations. You can choose from our selection of Australian vacations, New Zealand vacation packages, Tahiti vacation packages or perhaps one of our Fiji resorts.

Book your Cook Islands Vacation with Goway!

With a wide choice of Cook Islands vacations and experiences, Goway’s Downunder wizards can offer you many ways to explore and enjoy the Cook Islands. Relax with a romantic tropical island stay, escape winter on a Snowbird long stay, enjoy an air-land getaway and more. We want to be your first choice when next you go globetrotting to the Cook Islands.