Aitutaki
Aitutaki’s stunning lagoon, brimming with marine life and ringed by 15 palm-covered motu (islets), is a South Pacific tearsure. Maina (Little Girl) offers…
Must-see attractions in The Cook Islands
Rarotonga
With its four motu (islets), Muri is the most beautiful section of Rarotonga’s encircling lagoon. The blue water is packed with tropical fish, especially…
Avarua
Avarua’s white-washed church was built in 1853. The graveyard contains the graves of author Robert Dean Frisbie, and Albert Henry, the first prime…
The Cook Islands
Eerie Anatakitaki is ‘Atiu’s most spectacular cave, a multichambered cavern surrounded by banyan roots and thick jungle. It’s also home to the rare kopeka…
Avarua
This historical building was once an LMS missionary school. These days it houses an excellent art gallery, gift shop and courtyard cafe.
The Cook Islands
A real highlight in this region is the deep sparkling-blue Vai Nauri, Mitiaro’s natural swimming pool. Local women used to hold gatherings known as…
The Cook Islands
Motuanga (the Cave of 100 Rooms) is a complex of tunnels and caverns in the island’s southeast that’s said to extend all the way under the reef and out to…
The Cook Islands
Vai Tango is the best cave for swimming, a short walk from Ngatiarua village. Schoolkids often head there at weekends and after school, and they can show…
The Cook Islands
Te Ana O Rakanui is a burial cave packed with musty old skulls and skeletal remains. It’s a tight squeeze inside – claustrophobics be warned.
The Cook Islands
At 169m, Rangimotia is the highest point on the island, with stunning coastal views. From the Oneroa side, a dirt road leads to the top.
The Cook Islands
An 18km-long circular road negotiates Ma’uke’s secluded coves and beaches, which are among the island’s main attractions. One of the nicest is One’unga,…
Aitutaki
After you’ve been to Rarotonga, Arutanga, Aitutaki’s only town, seems astonishingly quiet, with few signs of life even on weekdays when the shops are open…
Highland Paradise Cultural Centre
Rarotonga
High above ‘Arorangi, Highland Paradise stands on the site of the old Tinomana village with panoramic views over the west and south coasts. Members of the…
The Cook Islands
The remains of Te Pare Fort, set deep in the makatea, are Mitiaro’s most impressive ancient ruins. The fort was built as a defence against ‘Atiuan raiders…
Cook Islands Library & Museum Society
Avarua
Inland behind the Para O Tane Palace, this collection of Pacific literature incorporates a small museum. Intriguing exhibits include an old whaling pot,…
Rarotonga
Te Vara Nui combines a purpose-built village showcasing local culture including traditional medicine, carving, tapa making and legends, with one of…
Rarotonga
On the eastern edge of the abandoned Sheraton resort site, a road leads inland to Wigmore’s Waterfall, a lovely cascade dropping into a fresh, cool…
Rarotonga
A small sign points off the road to the island’s most important marae site, Arai-Te-Tonga. Situated just off the Ara Metua, there’s a stone-marked koutu …
Cook Islands Whale & Wildlife Centre
Rarotonga
Visit this centre to learn about whales and other wildlife frequenting the Cook Islands. It’s an essential stop if you’re planning on going whale watching…
Avarua
On the inland side of the main road is this palace and its surrounding Taputapuatea marae. The palace is where Makea Takau, the paramount ariki (chief) of…
The Cook Islands
Fishermen return from their morning’s exploits around 8am or 9am in tiny outrigger canoes with several huge wahoo and tuna. Hang around for the cleaning…
The Cook Islands
Mitiaro is unique in the Cooks for its twin lakes, Te Rotonui (Big Lake) and Te Rotoiti (Small Lake). A rough track leads to the edge of Te Rotonui, where…
Rarotonga
On the northwest coast is Black Rock (Turou), traditionally believed to be where the spirits of the dead commenced their voyage to ‘Avaiki (the afterworld…
Rarotonga
Pop in to meet the guys behind Raro's very own craft brewery. Regular beers – also sold around the island – are Mai Lager and Kiva Pale Ale. Seasonal…
The Cook Islands
The Cook Islands’ only sulphur pool is Vai Marere, a 10-minute walk from Mangarei village on the Takaue road. From the main road it’s barely visible and…
Taunganui Harbour & Oravaru Beach
The Cook Islands
‘Atiu’s barrier reef is close to shore. The surrounding lagoon is rarely more than 50m wide and its waters quite shallow. Taunganui Harbour, on the west…
Rarotonga
Discover the unique flavours of banana wine at Muri’s Koteka Winery or visit the winery’s stall at Avarua’s weekly market. The wine is mixed with whatever…
The Cook Islands
You can swim in the three lovely sinkholes west of Takauroa Beach only at low tide. Between Takauroa Beach and Matai Landing, the falling tide empties…
Aitutaki
The 30-minute hike to the top of Maungapu (124m), Aitutaki’s highest peak, provides splendid views over the entire atoll and the sapphire-blue lagoon. The…
The Cook Islands
Near Oravaru Beach, this was once ‘Atiu’s most sacred marae, and it’s still a powerfully atmospheric place – many locals are reluctant to go near it. You…
The Cook Islands
The marae of Mitiaro are largely consumed by jungle, but you are still able to see the stone seat of the ariki and several graves at Marae Takero, located…
Rarotonga
On Rarotonga’s west coast, ‘Arorangi was the first missionary-built village, conceived as a model for other villages on the island. The missionary Papeiha…
Avarua
Inside the National Culture Centre, the National Museum showcases Cook Islands and South Pacific artefacts, and sometimes hosts temporary exhibitions…
The Cook Islands
Marae Puarakura is a modern marae, still used for ceremonial functions, complete with stone seats for the ariki, mataiapo and rangatira (subchief).
The Cook Islands
The white-painted CICC is a fine sight, with its blue trim, stained-glass windows and parquet ceiling decorated with black-and-white stars. The Sunday…
The Cook Islands
Lake Te Roto is noted for its itiki (eels), a popular island delicacy. On the western side of the lake, a cave leads right through the makatea to the sea.
The Cook Islands
This marae is where the Tahitian preacher Papeiha first spoke the words of the Gospel in 1823. There’s not much left to see, but a stone commemorates the…
The Cook Islands
Along a walking track north of Kopeka Lodge, Marae Vairakai is surrounded by 47 large limestone slabs, six of which have curious projections cut into…
The Cook Islands
Marae Rangimanuka, the marae of Uke, is one of Ma’uke’s many marae that are now overgrown, but you can still find it with a guide.
The Cook Islands
Another of ‘Atiu’s burial caves, Rima Rau is reached by a vertical pothole and still contains skeletal remains. Many will find it claustrophobic.
