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Is this the South Pacific’s Most Underrated Destination?
Written by Emily Jacobs
The Cook Islands are calling – will you pick up?
Nestled in the South Pacific, to the south of Hawaii, sit 15 practically untouched tropical islands, home to jaw-dropping beaches, impossibly blue lagoons and vibrant green jungles. The Cook Islands is the Pacific’s best kept secret, a haven of undiscovered luxury where no building stands taller than a coconut tree and there is no need for traffic lights.
Fall into the groove of island time with each waking hour, exploring the stunning natural landscapes, both underwater and on land. Coupled with a sensational selection of restaurants and bars and luxurious beachfront bungalows housed within five-star resorts, a trip to the Cook Islands is a true taste of heaven.
Find out why the Cook Islands should shoot to the top of your travel list.
It’s never been easier to get there
Forget valuable holiday moments spent in airports, at ferry terminals or on public transport – the Cook Islands are now just a flight away. Jetstar operates four weekly direct flights from Sydney to Rarotonga (increasing to five per week from May to October), with a flight time of just five-and-a-half hours.
You’re free to see paradise however you like
A trip to these remote islands offers a uniquely laidback experience. Freedom and flexibility are the overarching themes, and every day you can do as much or as little as you like. Ease yourself into holiday mode snorkelling among the archipelago’s countless reefs, cruising over crystal-clear lagoons or walking along impossibly white shores on Aitutaki.
When you’re ready to take things up a notch, venture into deeper water aboard a fishing charter to chase yellow fin tuna, take a guided buggy tour through tropical jungle or scuba dive with the local marine life.
You can scooter with sea turtles
It’s a whole new world under the sea – why not explore it in a whole new way by sea scooter? This unique underwater safari, run by Ariki Adventures, is unlike anything else in the world. Join your expert guide as they demonstrate the three-speed machine on land. Then don your mask, snorkel and fins and dive in, gliding alongside hundreds of tropical fish species, over 70 types of live coral and sea turtles.
And explore Rarotonga by jet ski
A jet ski tour of the archipelago’s largest island is the ultimate introduction to its stunning shores. Join the crew at TVK Water Sports to enjoy a lap on its state-of-the-art runners, while exploring the environment in a respectful and safe way.
Launching off from Avana Harbour, navigate the surrounding reef and head out to the Pacific blue. Take in the picturesque mountains as you circle Rarotonga, stopping for a refreshing swim along the way. Opt to finish your adrenaline-filled adventure with antipasto on a secluded beach – a picture-perfect way to end the day.
The food is next-level delicious
The Cook Islands aren’t just a nature lover’s paradise. With more than 100 cafes and restaurants on Rarotonga alone, it’s also heaven for foodies. Casual, feet-in-the-sand spots sit by high-end eateries, all serving their take on the bounty of tropical ingredients found throughout the 15 islands. Fresh seafood plays a starring role, with everything from grilled fish sandwiches to sesame-crusted tuna and Penang-spiced parrot fish.
Both Polynesian and international flavours appear at the night markets on Muri Beach, held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday nights. Feast on a delicious dinner from the mix of food trucks, stalls and stands offering local barbecue, seafood, drinking coconuts, curries, noodles, pizzas and more.
There’s accommodation for every type of traveller
From family-friendly beach houses to authentic bungalow resorts, the Cook Islands has a spot for every traveller to lay their head. On Rarotonga, ramp up the romance in an adults-only villa at Ocean Escape Resort & Spa, or step from luxury bungalow straight onto soft white sands at Little Polynesian Resort.
Bring the whole family for a stay overlooking Muri Lagoon at Nautilus Resort, where each eco-friendly lodging includes a private pool. Or keep it between you and your beloved at the secluded Pacific Resort Aitutaki, where just 29 thatched beachfront bungalows, along with an award-winning spa and palm-fringed infinity pool, guarantee five-star serenity.
Discover the Cook Islands
