Islands Travel

The Cook Islands consist of 15 islands scattered over an area of about 2 million square kilometers in the Pacific Ocean. The islands are little snippets of paradise that invite you to come and get away from it all, to soak in the sun and thousands of years of Polynesian history and culture. Rarotonga is the largest and most visited island, completely surrounded by a reef which means beautiful white beaches and tropical turquoise waters, while imposing mountain peaks and dense rain forest make for some fantastic scenery. However, I would definitely advice you to visit a few islands while you are there sine once you leave the main island, you have miles of beaches virtually to yourself.

Typical Costs

Accommodation – You can expect to pay around 20 NZD per night for a dorm room and from 30 NZD for a private room. Hotels start at 65 NZD for singles and doubles, with prices for a private bungalow beginning around 150 NZD.

Food – Lunch and casual meals cost between 6-23 NZD at most of the local haunts. Restaurant meals will begin around 30 NZD for fine dining. Western style cuisine can cost up to 40 NZD for the main.

Transportation – For taxis, expect to pay 3 NZD per kilometer, as rates are government controlled. Bus tickets are around 4 NZD regardless of distance traveled. For inter-island travel, there is very little scheduled boat and ferry service. People generally stay on the main island. If they need to get around, there are frequent flights by Air Rarotonga.

Activities – Organized activities are a bit pricey on the islands, but hikes or walks around the mountainous interior are free options. In some cases, a guide will really bring the islands to life. A favorite is a half day, four-wheel tour for about 75 NZD. A tour and dinner show package at Te Vara Nui Village will cost 185 NZD. Bike or canoe rentals are also a great way to experience the scenery of the island for just about 23 NZD per day.

Money Saving Tips

Bike the islands – A great alternative to expensive taxis and cost around 23 NZD for a day’s rental.

Eat the local food – A full plate of local food will only cost around 6 NZD if you stick to the small, traditional eateries instead of eating at the resorts and main tourist areas.

Top Things to See and Do in the Cook Islands

Muri Beach – This popular beach is situated on the southeast corner of Rarotonga and is protected by a lagoon. A kayak or canoe can be hired here for about 23 NZD for a day. There is good snorkeling too.

Aitutaki Day Cruise – The southern island of Aitutaki boasts the world’s largest coral lagoons, inhabited by huge clams and multicolored tropical fish.

Scuba Diving – The dive sites on the Cook Islands are considered perfect for beginner divers because the sites are close to the shore and the currents aren’t too strong.

Te Vara Nui Village – Te Vara Nui Village is the cultural center where you can learn about the history of the native population. Ura Po is a popular thing to do. It is a dining and island night show on floating and fixed stages set in botanical gardens surrounded by waterfalls.

Hiking – There are several excellent hikes around the main island of Rarotonga. The most popular trails include Papua Waterfall, Avana Valley and Raemaru Lookout. Each take around 2 hours to complete. Pa’s mountain treks offer quite strenuous three-hour hikes across Rarotonga, passing Te Rua Manga at 413 meters with great views toward the coast.

Tinomana Palace – The palace is a two-story formation of coral and lime. It is located in Arorangi village and was constructed by the British. The name means ‘The Peace Brought by Christianity’.