Reservations

Luxury Travel

Reservations

Luxury Travel

Get to know the cook islands

Get to know the cook islands

What's it all about?

The 15 islands of the Cooks lie between New Zealand and Hawaii in the sparkling South Pacific. Rarotonga is the main islands, home to the international airport, but even the biggest island is juts 20 miles in circumference, so nothing is more than  20 minutes away. Public transport is simple too, there are two buses an hour, one going clockwise and one anti-clockwise, and there’s no need for bus stops – just flag the driver down when you see them coming!

This is a feature from Issue 8 of Charitable Traveller. Click to read more from this issue.

Take it easy

The Cook Islands have miles of uninterrupted public beaches where you can lay your towel wherever you want and take a dip in the invitingly warm sea. Beaches range from the lively Muri on Rarotonga, home to many cafés, bars, and restuarants, to Aitutaki’s Honeymoon Island, known for it pure white coral sandbar that juts out into the sea like a catwalk from the palm-covered islet.

Island night

Cook Islanders are rightly proud of their Polynesian heritage and want to share it with visitors. Make sure you book in for an authentic island night, where you’ll be treated to a traditional Umu (underground oven) feast and dazzling displays of traditional dance with colourful costumes.

Work up a sweat

There’s plenty to keep active types happy in the Cook Islands. On the water you can explore on a sailing boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. But don’t forget to head inland too, you’ll fin pristine volcanic interiors with verdant rainforest and waterfalls.
Head off on a self-guided hike or tour with a local to learn about local medicinal plants and fauna. You can also jump in a jeep or on a quad bike if you have a need for speed!

There are no big chain hotels here, all hotels are owner operated so hospitality is authentic and personal

Blue lagoon

Aitutaki is home to one of the most idyllic lagoons in the world, just a 45-minute flight from Rarotonga. Discvoer what paradise really looks like as you swim in turquoise water ringed by tiny desert islands called motus, where you can laze in the shade of a palm tree. Under the sea, snorkellers and divers have crystal clear views of a vibrant world, home to vivd giant clams, swooping turtles, reams of multi-coloured fish and the quicksilver flash of giant trevally.

Eat your heart out

With almost 100 resturants and bars on Rarotonga you’ll be sure to eat well – freshly-caught seafood is a speciality – and at prices that you’ll find surprisingly good value. To see what the locals eat, a visit to Rarotonga’s Punanganui Market on a Saturday morning is a must. It’s also a great place to bag a bargain, take colourful pictures and meet up with all the new friends you’ve made during your stay.

And another thing...

Timing is everything.

Have a whale of a time
Between July and September you can spot migrating humpback whales from the beach.

Party Time
The festival of Te Maeva Nui showcases local music, dance, arts, crafts, and food in Rarotonga from the end of July to the start of August.

Flower Fest
Te Mire Tiare is a flower show, held in November in Rarotonga, featuring parades with flower-covered floats.

Paddle Power
Also in November in Rarotonga, Vaka Eiva is a series of exciting canoe races.

This is a feature from Issue 8 of Charitable Traveller. Click to read more from this issue.