Renowned for its friendly folk, idyllic beaches, tropical weather and relaxed pace of life, the Cook Islands are a wonderful place to vacation in. A true island paradise located in the Southern Pacific Ocean; this group of 15 islands lie some 3400 km northeast of New Zealand and are spread out over 2 million sq km.

Formed from underwater volcanic activity millions of years ago, the Cook Islands are divided into two groups, the Northern Cook Islands and the Southern Cook Islands. The Southern Islands are volcanic in nature, while the Northern Islands are old coral atolls.

Aitutaki, ‘Atiu, Mitiaro, Mangaia, Takutea, Ma’uke, Rarotonga and Manuae are all Southern Islands, while Manihiki, Palmerston, Penrhyn, Nassau, Pukapuka, Suwarrow and Rakahanga are all part of the Northern Island Group.

Rarotonga

Rarotonga is not only the largest, but also the most populous of the Cook Islands. Stunningly gorgeous, this island is known for its rugged high mountains, lush valley floors and beautiful beaches. The perfect place to use base camp, this island has all the amenities and services you need for your ideal tropical vacation.

Aitutaki

Regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific, Aitutaki is known throughout the world for its spectacular turquoise blue lagoon. Enjoy snorkeling and diving here amid its amazing wealth of marine life.

Manuae

A protected marine reserve, Manuae was the first Cook Island to be discovered by Captain James Cook in 1773. It is an important turtle and seabird nesting ground.

Atiu

Atiu is the third largest of the Cook Islands. Home to many fine beaches, old marae and some truly superb scenery, this island is also known for its caves and makatea.

Mauke

A fertile and verdant island, Mauke has an impressive history and is the site of eleven ancient marae.

Mitiaro

A wonderful place to spend a quiet afternoon, Mitiaro is known for its friendly inhabitants. Everyone lives in the only village on the island, and each and every person is related to the other in some way.

Mangaia

Over 10 million years old, Mangaia is one of the oldest islands in the Pacific. Famous for its juicy pineapples and taro, this island is a great place to buy shell neckbands known as “eis”.

Takutea

Just one and a half square miles in size, Takutea is an uninhabited island. It has been declared a wildlife sanctuary.

Palmerston

The ideal place to visit for a nature lover, Palmerston Atoll is home to a wealth of wildlife from a variety of birds to turtles, dolphins, whales and coconut crabs.

Manihiki

A beautiful atoll, Manihiki is made up of over 40 tiny islands. It is renowned for its black pearls.

Rakahanga

Discovered by Pedro Fernandez de Quiros in 1606, Rakahanga is known for its lush vegetation and excellent offshore fishing.

Penrhyn

Penrhyn is the most remote of the Cook Islands and is famous for its pearl farming and rito hats.

Nassau

A small coral cay, Nassau is the only Northern Island not to have a lagoon. A quiet secluded destination, it is easily accessible from Pukapuka.

Pukapuka

Known for its huge population of puka trees, this atoll has a beautiful church worth visiting as well as some outstanding diving and snorkeling opportunities.

Suwarrow

The Cook Islands only national park, Suwarrow is the perfect destination for those who enjoy nature. A key breeding ground for a number of seabirds in the Central Pacific, the marine life found off the coast is pretty special as well.