Summary

The Cook Islands, particularly Rarotonga and Aitutaki, are recommended as a must-visit travel destination for their stunning beaches, clear waters, and unique cultural experiences.

Abstract

The Cook Islands, a remote and picturesque destination, are presented as an unmissable addition to any travel bucket list. The author, initially deterred by the distance and cost from Europe, found the islands more accessible after moving to New Zealand. Rarotonga, the main island, offers a quaint, small island atmosphere with activities like sunbathing on pristine beaches, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a challenging yet rewarding hike known as "The Needle." Aitutaki, reachable by a short plane ride, captivates with its crystal-clear waters and the opportunity to explore tiny, serene islands, including One Foot Island with its unique passport stamp. The author emphasizes the friendliness of the locals and other travelers, the happiness permeating the islands, and the chance to fully unwind in a tropical paradise.

Opinions

The author highly recommends visiting the Cook Islands, considering it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The proximity to New Zealand makes the Cook Islands more accessible and a viable travel option.
"The Needle" hike is considered worthwhile for its stunning views and the possibility of spotting whales.
The boat tour around Aitutaki and the surrounding islands is deemed a highlight, offering the chance to swim and walk around untouched environments.
The locals and fellow travelers are described as exceptionally friendly and open-minded, contributing to the overall joyful atmosphere of the islands.
The author suggests that the Cook Islands are not just a tourist destination but a place for relaxation and immersion in nature.
The unexpected extension of the trip due to a flight cancellation is seen as a serendipitous bonus, enhancing the travel experience.

Add This Island To Your Travel Bucket List

I swear it will be worth it

There are a number of places that you probably wouldn’t even dream of visiting because they seem so far and out of the way. It’s only when you by chance end up in a neighboring country that you get the opportunity to go.

And when you get that opportunity you should take it.

That’s how I felt about the Cook Islands.

I had seen pictures of this magical place before but it was so far away and the flights were crazy expensive from Europe so I always thought it would just be a fantasy that I would never actually get to live out.

When I moved to New Zealand it was a whole other ball game because I was surrounded by countries that I never would have dreamed of going to, but thanks to their close proximity to my new home, they suddenly became more accessible.

I booked a flight to the Cook Islands without hesitation and off I went to explore this magical land.

Rarotonga

When you fly into the Cook Islands, you will be going to Rarotonga which is the mainland and the biggest of the Cook Islands.

To give you a perspective of how small the mainland is, you can drive around the whole island in an hour if you didn’t make any stops. It truly has a small island feel.

There are some really gorgeous beaches to sunbathe on. The water is so clear and pristine and is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. You also have the option rent paddleboards or do SUP Yoga which is so much fun!

There is also a great hike called “The Needle Hike” that is a trail that goes across the island.

It’s a moderate hike and there were some points where I was scrambling and climbing up thick tree roots but it was so worth it. The view from the top is stunning and depending on which side you start from, there is either a waterfall at the start or right at the end of the hike.

If you are lucky you will also be able to spot some whales. I was fortunate enough to see 2 of them playing in the water, having a “whale of a time”.

There is also a market every Saturday morning which is a great place to buy souvenirs and try local food.

Image Authors Own- Sunset from Rarotonga Backpackers

You will always be able to catch a great sunrise and sunset too, there are certain spots on the island where you can see them every day if you go at the perfect time.

Aitutaki

The most breathtaking thing I have ever seen was this small island called Aitutaki. Getting here requires taking a small plane ride that takes just under an hour and you will have to book it as part of a tour package but it is definitely worth it.

One of the perks of doing this package is that you get to travel around the islands by boat and they make stops at Aitutaki and the surrounding islands too.

So you can disembark and go swimming and walk around the islands. One of my favorite stops was One Foot Island and they even have their own passport stamp, which you can pay $1 for.

Image Author’s Own- Island stops along the tour

All the islands are so tiny and easy to walk around but they all have a tropical and serene vibe, as they still look pristine and untouched.

Image Author’s Own- Turtles through the clear water

The ocean surrounding these islands is crystal clear, when you are on the boat it feels as though you are gliding over turquoise glass.

I was pretty sad to leave here but then my flight got canceled and I managed to spend another night in Rarotonga for free! So that was an added bonus.

I loved the Cook Islands because the locals and other travelers I met were so friendly and open-minded and everyone just seemed so happy. You really get the small island feel when you are on the Cook Islands. It’s a great place to go to enjoy the scenery, immerse yourself in tropical nature and completely relax.

I hope this inspires you to add the Cook Islands to your bucket list.

I would love to hear from anyone who has also visited here!