To give brief information about where are the Cook Islands are Cook Islands places to visit and how to travel to Cook Islands, I will write down the answers to these questions.
The Cook Islands is a self-governing island country in the South Pacific Ocean in free association with New Zealand. New Zealand is responsible for the Cook Islands' defence and foreign affairs, but these responsibilities are exercised in consultation with the Cook Islands. In recent times, the Cook Islands have adopted an increasingly independent foreign policy. The capital, the largest city, and one of the best places to see in Cook Islands is Avarua. Official languages are English and Cook Islands Maori. The Time zone in the Cook Islands is the same as the Hawaii islands. With over 168,000 visitors who did travel to Cook Islands in 2018, tourism is the country's main industry and the leading element of the economy, ahead of offshore banking, pearls, and marine and fruit exports. After the information about where are the Cook Islands, now let's see how to travel to Cook Islands, what are the best places to see in Cook Islands and what is the best time to travel to Cook Islands.
As I informed before, there is an international airport in Cook Islands, which is named Rarotonga. Rarotonga International Airport is the Cook Islands' main international gateway, located in the town and district of Avarua, Rarotonga, 3 km west of the downtown area on the northern coast. Having an international airport next to the capital makes it easier to travel to the Cook Islands.
Already you know where are the Cook Islands and how to go there, so now it's time to discover instagrammable places, see where is more instagrammable, and where you can take the most liked Instagram posts or most liked Instagram photo. As I do in every blog, here is the guideline for finding the best places to see in Cook Islands.
Best Cook Islands places to visit:
1. Aitutaki Lagoon
Aitutaki's main instagrammable attraction is the large picture-perfect lagoon with translucent turquoise water. Twenty-one small islands (motu) dot the lagoon's outer edge, some of which can be visited on cruises or tours. Kayaking is also a great way to explore these tiny islets. Maina's small island in the southwest corner of the lagoon offers excellent snorkelling opportunities and is home to a beautiful sandbar known as "Honeymoon Island." The lagoon is also a popular spot for bonefishing, and you can hire local guides on the island.
2. Tapuaetai Tour
Fringed by gently curving coconut palms, beautiful and Instagrammable Tapuaetai or One Foot Island is the most commonly known, is the most visited of Aitutaki's motu and for a good reason. This stunning island is worthy of most people's wildest tropical fantasies. Beach-lovers can bask on its beautiful white sands, wade, and snorkel in the turquoise lagoon, and even get their passport stamped at the tiny post office.
3. Muri Beach
On the southeast coast of Rarotonga, Muri Beach, or Muri Lagoon, as it is sometimes called, is one of the most popular and picturesque beaches is one of the amazing places in The Cook island. Although the water quality has declined in recent years, the shallows stretch into dreamy shades of aquamarine, and snorkelers can see many species of tropical fish. Four offshore islets, called motu, shimmer on the horizon, enhancing the beauty of the area. After a day in the sun, hungry beachcombers will find many dining options in the nearby resorts and restaurants.
4. Arorangi
Arorangi is a small village on the west side of the island. It was the first missionary village in Rarotonga. Today, you can visit the Cook Island Christian Church dating from 1849 and view a monument to the island's first missionary, Papeiha. Arorangi Beach is a beautiful spot to bask on the sand by day and watch the sun sink into the sea at dusk.
5. Titikaveka Beach
On the southwest coast of Rarotonga, pretty Titikaveka Beach and lagoon is one of the island's best areas to swim and snorkel and one of the most instagrammable places. The water is often so clear that swimmers need only stand in the lagoon to spot colourful fish. Snorkelers will find a plethora of marine life around the many coral heads, and the lagoon is dotted with blue sea stars. It's also great for kayaking. You can visit the coral stone Cook Islands Christian Church in the small settlement nearby, dating from 1841.
6. Cross-Island Hike to Te Rue Manga
Hiking the cross-island track is a great way to explore Rarotonga's lush scenery. The trail leads from the north coast up to the distinctive pinnacle rock Te Rua Manga (The Needle) and then via Wigmore's Waterfall to the south coast. The falls are beautiful after heavy rain, with a pool at their base, but the cascades slow to a trickle during the dry season.
7. Maire Nui Gardens
A short stroll from Titikaveka Beach, the delightful organic Maire Nui Gardens, offers a change of pace from the usual sun, sand, and sea activities. Flecked with tropical flowers, this seven-acre property is a lovely place for a stroll, with lily-topped ponds, wild ginger, hibiscus, and plenty of palms among the many plants flourishing here. Dragonflies flit through the lush foliage, and the sweet fragrance of tropical flowers imbues the air. After wandering through the garden, you can relax with a snack at the cute little open-sided cafe. Entry is by donation in an honesty box by the entrance.
8. Aroa Marine Reserve
Sheltered by the outlying reef on Rarotonga's west coast, the Aroa Marine Reserve's crystal clear waters are excellent for snorkelling and, of course, one of the most instagrammable places on the island. Kayaking is also a popular pursuit. After a day exploring the underwater life, you can relax and watch the sunset from the beautiful beach and take a lot of most liked Instagram photo and most liked Instagram posts. Not far from Aroa Marine Reserve, Cocoputt Cook Islands is an 18-hole mini-golf course with a fun dinner package that's especially popular with families.
9. Mount Maungapu
At 124 meters, Mount Maunganui is the highest point on Aitutaki. A short 30-minute hike to the top affords spectacular views over the lagoon and lush, palm-studded landscape. A sign on the road opposite Paradise Cove marks the trailhead, and the track is marked on the free maps available on the island. Bring plenty of water, insect repellent, and a camera. This Instagrammable place is also a place in the Cook Islands that should be visited.
10. Arutanga, Aitutaki
Dotted with mango trees and hibiscus flowers, sleepy Arutanga is the main settlement on Aitutaki. Tourists will find a few craft stores here as well as a quiet harbour. One of the town's main attractions is the Cook Islands Christian Church. Built in 1828, it's the oldest in the Cook Islands and one of the most attractive, with stained glass windows and colourful carved wooden accents.
11. Punanga Nui Outdoor Market
Punanga Nui Outdoor Market on the waterfront. This is a popular place for shopping in Rarotonga, with mountains of mangos, pineapples, and passion fruit, as well as fragrant tropical flowers, vegetables, clothes, and crafts. Most of the action takes place on Saturday mornings. Not far from Avarua, Perfumes of Rarotonga sells perfumes and colognes scented with local flowers and is a great spot to pick up some gifts. This huge attraction attracts a lot of people, and here you can get a lot of most liked Instagram photo.
12. Te Vara Nui Village
A fun way to learn a little about the history of the Cook Islands and traditional island life is a visit to the Te Vara Nui Village. Coconut husking, cooking, fishing, dancing, carving, weaving, and Maori bush medicine are just some of the activities you can learn about. After soaking up all the culture, an island-style feast with both western food and local dishes awaits in the waterside dining room, along with a cultural performance incorporating storytelling through song and dance.
The Cook Islands are also famous for their festivals, such as:
Tiare Festival: The Tiare Festival is an annual flower show held in Rarotonga in October. Among the highlights are the Miss Tiare Pageant and the Young Warrior Contest. It can be one of the best time to travel to Cook islands during this festa.
VakaVaka Eiva: Vaka Eiva or the Canoeing Festival is held during mid-November. The annual event hosts races around Rarotonga and attracts more than 850 competitors, divided into 100 teams. The winners receive the prestigious Pacific Cup. In this entertainment, you can also share a lot of most liked Instagram posts.
If you wonder what is the best time to travel to Cook Islands, here is the climate information. The Cook Islands are located north of the Tropic of Capricorn; they have a typically tropical oceanic climate with temperatures stable all year round. Seasonal differences are mainly due to the rainfall regime. The Cook Islands alternate between two seasons, a wet and rainy season from December to March, and a mild and dry season from April to November. So the best time to travel to Cook Islands is the less rainy months from May/June to October, which are generally preferable by visitors.
