Remote and secluded, the Cook Islands is a fantastic vacation destination for those who prefer a more laidback holiday. Easy to get to, this idyllic island paradise is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a tranquil getaway. Getting to the Cook Islands is pretty simple as you can either arrive here by plane or boat. Air travel is much quicker, while if you have plenty of time on your hands, a cruise or yacht trip is a great way to see this region.

To get to the Cook Islands by air, Air New Zealand and Aloha Airlines offer direct international flights to Rarotonga from Auckland and Hawaii. While if you are traveling here from Australia, Fiji, Tonga, or Vanuatu, Pacific Blue offers regular flights to Rarotonga as well. Another great way of touring the Cook Islands is to book a Round-the World ticket, which is excellent value for money especially if you are touring other countries in this region.

As a primer carrier to the Cook Islands, Air New Zealand flies to Rarotonga several times a week, while Pacific Blue comes here on a weekly basis. To travel internally within the Cook Islands, Air Rarotonga offers daily flights to the islands of Aitutaki, Mitiaro, Ma’uke, Mangaia, Manihiki, Penrhyn, Pukapuka and ‘Atiu.

The Rarotonga International Airport is the main airport of the country and is located on the northwestern coast of the island. A small and simple airport, Rarotonga International sits just a few kilometers west of the town of Avarua.

A great thing about traveling to the Cook Islands is that you do not need a pre-arranged visa to visit here. You are given a 31 day visitors permit when you arrive at the airport. Applicable for all nationalities, the only travel requirements are that you hold a valid 6 months passport, have a return or onward ticket and a prior hotel booking with any hotel or resort on the islands.

An important thing to remember if you are traveling via New Zealand is that you will have to pay a NZ$ 25 departure tax when flying out to Cook Islands. For children aged two to twelve, a NZ$ 10 tax is charged.

If you are planning to travel to the Cook Islands by sea there is only one regularly scheduled ship that comes here. The World Discoverer is a luxury liner cruise ship that stops over here for a day or two.