The Cook Islands are 15 islands spread across a huge area of ocean, but almost every visitor sees just two: Rarotonga, the green, mountainous main island where the international airport is, and Aitutaki, a short flight north, with one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. The country is self-governing in free association with New Zealand, uses the New Zealand dollar and speaks English alongside Cook Islands Māori, which makes it one of the easiest Pacific destinations to plan.
Getting there
Most travelers fly from Auckland, which has daily services on Air New Zealand and Jetstar, taking about four hours. Jetstar also flies direct from Sydney, and has announced Brisbane flights from 2026, and there is a weekly direct flight from Honolulu. From French Polynesia, Air Rarotonga links Papeete and Rarotonga. Compare routes on our flights page.
Visitors from most countries do not need a visa for a short holiday; you will usually be granted a visitor permit on arrival if you hold an onward or return ticket and proof of accommodation. Check the latest requirements before you travel, and remember that transiting New Zealand may require an NZeTA, depending on your passport.
Find cheap flights
Compare fares to Sydney, Auckland, Nadi, Papeete and beyond. Via Trip.com.
Rarotonga: what to do
Rarotonga is only about 32 kilometers around. A coastal road, the Ara Tapu, circles the island, with the older inland road, the Ara Metua, running parallel. Jagged volcanic peaks covered in jungle fill the middle, and a reef-protected lagoon rings the outside.
- Muri Lagoon: the island's postcard. Shallow, calm water dotted with four small motus, ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling and glass-bottom boat trips.
- Cross-Island Track: a steep, rooty hike of about three to four hours past Te Rua Manga (the Needle), finishing at Wigmore's Waterfall. Go with a guide if the trail is wet.
- Punanga Nui Market: held in Avarua on Saturday mornings, with food stalls, pareu, black pearls, crafts and live music.
- Snorkeling: the marine reserve areas around Fruits of Rarotonga and Aroa Beach on the southwest coast have plenty of fish close to shore.
- Island night: a buffet dinner with a drumming and dance show; Cook Islands dancing is considered among the best in Polynesia.
- Sunday church: visitors are welcome at the Cook Islands Christian Church services, known for powerful a cappella hymn singing. Dress modestly.
Getting around Rarotonga
The island bus runs clockwise and anticlockwise around the coast road at regular intervals in the day, with a reduced night service. Hire cars and scooters are widely available. Riding a scooter requires a valid motorcycle licence, or a local licence obtained by passing a short test with the police in Avarua; rules can change, so check with your rental company, and always wear a helmet. Driving is on the left and the island-wide speed limit is low, about 50 km/h, dropping to 30 km/h in Avarua. See car hire for options.
Compare car hire
Road-trip Australia and New Zealand for less. Via DiscoverCars.
Aitutaki: the lagoon
The Aitutaki lagoon is a vast triangle of turquoise water enclosed by a barrier reef and fringed by around 15 motus. The water is shallow, warm and astonishingly clear, with giant clams, turtles and reef fish.
The highlight for most visitors is a lagoon cruise. Several operators run full-day trips with snorkeling stops, a barbecue lunch and a visit to Tapuaetai, better known as One Foot Island, where a tiny post office will stamp your passport. Stand-up paddleboarding, kitesurfing and bonefishing are also popular.
How to get to Aitutaki
Air Rarotonga is the only airline, flying several times a day. The flight takes about 50 minutes, and return fares typically cost roughly NZ$450 to NZ$600 when booked separately. Seats fill quickly from July to September and over Christmas, so book early.
Day tour or stay over?
| Aitutaki Day Tour | Staying 2 or more nights | |
|---|---|---|
| What it includes | Hotel pickup on Rarotonga, return flights, a short island tour, full-day lagoon cruise with lunch and snorkel gear | Flights only; you book accommodation and a cruise separately |
| Rough cost | About NZ$750 per adult in 2026, plus a temporary fuel surcharge of about NZ$50 | Flights about NZ$450 to NZ$600, cruises about NZ$130 to NZ$160, plus accommodation |
| Pros | Easy, no packing, no extra hotel nights | Sunrise and sunset on the lagoon, quieter beaches, more snorkeling time |
| Cons | Long day (about 8am to 5:30pm), time on the lagoon is limited | Aitutaki accommodation is pricier than Rarotonga's |
If your budget allows, two or three nights on Aitutaki is the better experience. The day tour, which runs Monday to Saturday, is an excellent alternative if you are short on time.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Reef cruises, Hobbiton, lagoon tours and more. Via GetYourGuide.
Suggested 8-day itinerary
- Day 1: arrive in Rarotonga, settle in near Muri and watch the sunset.
- Day 2: kayak to the Muri motus and snorkel.
- Day 3: Saturday market in Avarua, then a beach afternoon on the southwest coast.
- Day 4: hike the Cross-Island Track; island night show in the evening.
- Days 5 to 7: fly to Aitutaki for a lagoon cruise, One Foot Island and lazy beach days.
- Day 8: fly back to Rarotonga and connect home.
Where to stay
On Rarotonga, Muri suits families and couples who want calm water and restaurants within walking distance; the southwest coast is quieter with better snorkeling and sunsets; Avarua is practical but not on a beach. Self-catering bungalows and holiday homes are plentiful. On Aitutaki, options range from simple beachfront bungalows to boutique resorts with overwater villas. Browse hotels for both islands.
Compare hotels & resorts
Free cancellation on many stays across Oceania. Via Booking.com.
Costs and money
Prices are similar to or slightly higher than New Zealand. Expect roughly NZ$180 to NZ$350 a night for mid-range accommodation on Rarotonga and more on Aitutaki. Cafés charge roughly NZ$20 to NZ$35 for lunch. Cards are accepted widely, there are ATMs in Avarua and at the airport, and tipping is not customary. Local Cook Islands coins, including a triangular two-dollar coin, circulate alongside New Zealand currency and make good souvenirs, but cannot be used outside the country.
When to go
May to October is the dry season, with temperatures in the mid-20s Celsius and clear lagoon water. July to September is peak season, coinciding with New Zealand and Australian school holidays. November to April is warmer and more humid with occasional cyclones, but quieter and often cheaper. For more detail, see our best time to visit guide.
Keep planning
Read the full Cook Islands destination guide. Combining the Cooks with Tahiti is possible via Air Rarotonga; our Bora Bora on a budget guide covers French Polynesia. For more inspiration, see the best islands in the South Pacific.
Map of places in this guide
Frequently asked questions
How do you get from Rarotonga to Aitutaki?
Air Rarotonga flies several times a day and the flight takes about 50 minutes. There is no regular passenger ferry.
Is the Aitutaki Day Tour worth it?
It is a good option if you are short on time, as it includes flights, transfers, a lagoon cruise and lunch. Staying two or three nights gives you more time on the lagoon.
What currency is used in the Cook Islands?
The New Zealand dollar. Local Cook Islands coins and notes also circulate but cannot be spent or exchanged outside the country.
Do I need a visa for the Cook Islands?
Most visitors do not need a visa for a short holiday and receive a visitor permit on arrival with a return ticket and booked accommodation. Check current rules before you travel.
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