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The Cook Islands

Awarded Best in Travel 2022

Fifteen droplets of land cast across 2 million sq km of wild Pacific blue, the Cook Islands are simultaneously remote and accessible, modern and traditional.

With a strong cafe culture, a burgeoning organic and artisan food scene, and a handful of bar and clubs, Rarotonga lives confidently in the 21st century. But beyond the island’s tourist buzz and contemporary appearance is a robust culture, firmly anchored by traditional Polynesian values and steeped in oral history.

North of ‘Raro’, the sublime lagoon of Aitutaki is ringed with tiny deserted islands and is one of the Pacific’s most improbably scenic jewels. Venture further and robust Polynesian traditions emerge nearer the surface. Drink home brew at a traditional ‘Atiuan tumunu (bush-beer drinking club), explore the ancient makatea (raised coral cliffs) and taro fields of Mangaia, or swim in the underground cave pools of Mitiaro and Ma’uke. The remote Northern Group is a South Seas idyll experienced by a lucky few.

Explore The Cook Islands

  • Aitutaki Lagoon

    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…

  • Muri

    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…

  • Cook Islands Christian Church

    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…

  • Anatakitaki

    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…

  • BCA Art Gallery

    This historical building was once an LMS missionary school. These days it houses an excellent art gallery, gift shop and courtyard cafe.

  • V

    Vai Nauri

    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…

  • M

    Motuanga

    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…

  • V

    Vai Tango

    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…

  • T

    Te Ana O Rakanui

    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.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout The Cook Islands.

  • See

    Aitutaki Lagoon

    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…

  • See

    Muri

    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…

  • See

    Cook Islands Christian Church

    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…

  • See

    Anatakitaki

    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…

  • See

    BCA Art Gallery

    This historical building was once an LMS missionary school. These days it houses an excellent art gallery, gift shop and courtyard cafe.

  • See

    Vai Nauri

    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…

  • See

    Motuanga

    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…

  • See

    Vai Tango

    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…

  • See

    Te Ana O Rakanui

    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.

Featured videos

Introducing Rarotonga, Samoa & Tonga

2:41

Guidebooks

Learn more about The Cook Islands

Ready to go? Get to the heart of The Cook Islands with one of Lonely Planet's in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.

Rarotonga, Samoa & Tonga