Top 9 Reasons to Visit the Cook Islands

Everyone wants to travel at some point in their lives to a tropical South Pacific island. There are a few famous ones, like Tahiti and Bora Bora, but there are many more, including Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, and the Cook Islands. The Cook Islands, specifically, are well-known globally for many reasons.  

1. The Cook Islands is a Tiny Country! 

Rarotonga, the Cook Islands' largest island and hub of its business and political life, has a circumference of 32km, a two-hour bike ride! Here, travellers can literally see the whole island in a day by renting a scooter or car or commuting with talkative locals on the bus. There's no need to rush about, so take your time to relax, but when you feel like some action, set off to discover the lagoons, beaches, waterfalls, quaint restaurants, and smiling Cook islanders.  

2. The Cook Islands Has Beautiful Beaches 

Prepare to enjoy white sand beaches, tranquil lagoons, and fantastic swimming, snorkelling, or diving. The water is vividly clear, allowing you to witness an array of sea life from land or sea, including sea turtles, colourful fish and vibrant coral formations. Aitutaki, the second largest island, is arguably the most beautiful, known as a honeymooner hot spot, and Muri Beach, on the larger Rarotonga, is considered the best beach and nicest lagoon. That said, all of these are pristine Pacific beaches. You can’t go wrong anywhere on the Cooks! 

3. The Cook Islands is the Home of Pearls 

Black pearls are the ultimate souvenirs (or gifts) and are all farmed here. Black is slightly misleading, as that is the shade of the shell itself, while the pearls come in a dazzling multitude of silvers, greens, and blues. You can purchase just the pearl or inlaid bracelets, rings, and necklaces. Most hotels host quality black pearl retailers, but you can also visit their shops in town for a slightly better price. Pearls take years to make and are famously expensive, but several hotels offer travellers free $500 pearl pendants with stays of 12 days or over. 

4. The Cook Islands Has a Fascinating Culture 

The Cook Islands proudly call themselves the sea-borne descendants of their Polynesian kin, the Tahitians, but as a New Zealand protectorate, it lovingly blends New Zealand indigenous Māori culture and a love of rugby with the flirtatious charm of Tahiti and a dash of British colonial civility. Enjoy nightly performances of their island culture exhibited at all the hotels, with slightly more genuine cultural village performances. Dawn your best grass skirt, witness hip-shaking and fire-dancing and enjoy fantastic tropical food. 

5. The Cook Islands Has Friendly People 

Despite a long-forgotten history of cannibalism, the Cook Islands are one of the friendliest people on earth: ask anyone who's been there! Constantly smiling, with hardly a reason not to, you will have sore jaw muscles as you return the gesture. Sit down for a cold beer with chatty locals on the weekends across the island, where you will be constantly invited to meet someone’s grandmother or kids. 

6. The Cook Islands Has Gorgeous Churches 

Religious or not, of any denomination, we recommend travellers check out a few churches in the Cooks as they embody a great snapshot of their lives. Missionaries flocked to the island over a century ago, producing dozens and dozens of different churches, all competing to have the most fun. It’s lovely to witness hand-holding families wearing their Sunday best, singing on their way to or from church, or cycling past church doors flung open as arm-in-arm churchgoers sing and sway to music. For a treat, the first Sunday of every month sees everyone wearing all white. 

7. The Cook Islands has a Slow Pace of Life 

Seriously – it’s slow. Yes, you can get up to some adventure like 4WD adventures, deep-sea fishing, or diving, but after a few days on the Cooks, you’ll uncontrollably gear down. No one rushes about barking into cellphones or stresses in their daily commute. Here, everything moves as pleasantly as the Pacific Ocean breeze. 

8. The Cook Islands Is Affordable 

Comparing the Cooks to islands like Tahiti, Fiji, and even Hawaii, will show you the best bang for your buck in the whole South Pacific. Here, they’ve cultivated a lodging industry specializing in long stays, often 28 days or even months! The hotels are small, and no one’s trying to squeeze an extra dollar out of their guests, as in the end, they are the ones living in paradise! 

9. The Cook Islands Is Better Than Luxury; It’s Unpretentiously Exclusive 

There are no major hotel chains here, and most properties are locally owned or owned by runaway New Zealanders. Here, personal service means you know the names of your hotel staff's children. Discover the small hotels, pristine beaches, empty poolside sunbeds, and enjoy the bartender all for yourself. No building is higher than the coconut trees, giving the impression you're the first to discover the Cook Islands.