Halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii lies the enchanting island nation, the Cook Islands. A stunning paradise of unspoiled natural beauty, the Cook Islands are surrounded by stunning coral reefs, rainforests, caves, waterfalls, and vibrant marine life. If you’re planning a trip, here’s what to know about this heaven at the heart of Polynesia.
A self-governing island state in free association with New Zealand, the Cook Islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean. The 15 small atolls and islands comprising the Cook Islands are spread out over 2 million square kilometres of sea. The administrative seat is Avarua, which is located on the island of Rarotonga.
Due to the Cook Islands being small, the mid-ocean islands are influenced by the southeast trade winds, and the temperatures are typically moderate. On the southern island of Rarotonga, the average annual temperatures hover around 24°C.
With just 18,000 residents, the Cook Islands offer an intimate experience with the friendly local Māori community and stunningly wide open beaches and clear turquoise lagoons. North of Rarotonga, the Aitutaki Lagoon features pristine islets of white sand and coconut trees.
Here, no building exceeds the height of a coconut tree. There are no high-rise hotels, traffic lights, or stop signs — just endless beaches and crystalline waters. It feels like stepping back in time while still enjoying modern comforts.
Each of the 15 islands features a network of roads, with a paved road circling Rarotonga and accessible by public buses. Small aircraft provide regular connections between the larger islands. Ports are located at Rarotonga (Avatiu), Penrhyn, Mangaia, and Aitutaki, though shipping schedules can be unpredictable. Rarotonga also boasts an international airport.
The official currency is the New Zealand dollar and the spoken languages are English (86.4%) and Cook Islands Māori.
