Lying roughly halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii in the South Pacific Ocean are the 15 little islands of the Cook Islands. The most popular—and populated—are Rarotonga and Aitutaki, and visitors to these idyllic destinations don’t have to look hard for their perfect beach vacation. For the intrepid traveler, there are other places to visit and things to do beyond these two islands. You might want to take extended leave from work though, as they’re spread over more than 772,204 square miles (2 million square kilometers).
The peak season in the Cook Islands is July and August, the dry season in the island nation. The weather is mostly clear in these months, with slightly lower temperatures and humidity. The shoulder season months of April, May, September, and October are a good alternative. Note that the Cook Islands, especially Rarotonga, are popular with New Zealand and Australian families, so visit outside of school holidays for lower prices and fewer tourists.
Most visitors stay on Rarotonga. Here, there’s a local bus that does a circuit of the island that takes about an hour. Alternatively, rent a car or scooter. You need a local license to ride a scooter, which requires sitting a theoretical and practical test. Some travelers take a domestic flight over to Aitutaki, where you can also rent a scooter. Some other outer islands can be reached by domestic flight or boat and should be planned in advance due to limited availability.
The Cook Islands are a self-governing country in “free association” with New Zealand, and Cook Islanders are New Zealand citizens. But whether you’re a Kiwi or traveling to the Cook Islands from New Zealand, remember it’s not the same country. New Zealand citizens can stay for up to 90 days, and everyone else up to 31. New Zealand dollars are the official currency, but you’ll need a local SIM card to use your cellphone. And learning a few words of Cook Islands Maori won’t hurt.
