What is your travel fantasy of an escape to a happy place? An unspoiled island with crystal clear waters, mesmerizing beaches, diverse flora, and lush greenery around with private bungalows, friendly locals, and a proud heritage? Well, it sounds pretty much like the Cook Islands to me! Yes, Cook Islands have been on many traveler's bucket lists for many reasons. This island country also thrives on sustainable tourism and hosts several adventurous activities, making you enjoy your best time traveling to the Cook Islands. For those who don't know much about the place apart from the fact that it is host to reality tv shows, this guide will give you details on where are the Cook Islands, when to travel to Cook Islands, places to see there, and places to stay in Cook Islands. Let's get started with a few questions!
Where are the Cook Islands?
The Cook Islands are a blissful 15 isle archipelago that lies east in the Pacific Ocean's Date Line. This set of islands promises clear water, diverse marine life, and a strong display of Polynesian culture. Located in the South Pacific Ocean, these islands lie between French Polynesia and American Samoa, and New Zealand.
When is the best time to travel to Cook Islands?
It would be fair to say that there is no wrong time to visit the Cook Islands, as the weather is largely favorable throughout the year. Summers are fine with an average temperature of 29°C, while the rainy season typically runs from December to April. So, the months of April, May, September, and October provide for the best months to travel to the Cook Islands.
What is the Cook Islands language?
The Eastern Polynesian language of Maori and English are the official Cook Islands languages. Nonetheless, there are around five dialects of speaking languages that locals are using in the Cook Islands.
Which are the best places to stay in Cook Islands?
The Cook Islands consists of islands like Rarotonga and Aitutaki, with having some beautiful and fascinating Cook Islands resorts and hotels. You can travel to the Cook Islands with a low budget as it is pretty affordable compared to neighboring countries. Nonetheless, you can stay in Rarotonga as the hotels are much cheaper here than the other islands. Not convinced of whether to take the risk? Here are the top 10 reasons that ought to get you convinced to catch one of the flights to Cook Islands and head over already! Regardless of whether you have heard about the Cook Islands or not, it is always better to know more about the place if you are planning to visit. So, here are the ten reasons why the Cook Islands is a popular tourist destination for the last few years. Top 10 reasons why you need to travel to Cook Islands right now:
1. The welcoming lagoons
Lagoons are probably difficult to miss in the Cook Islands. Rarotonga and Aitutaki islands are the most popular islands among tourists and offer some of the best locations for water sports in the warm lagoons. The protected lagoons in these islands are a haven for tranquil coral reefs and crystal-clear water. Moreover, these lagoons are best preferred by travelers who are not fond of swimming in the ocean, as it is safer here. Also, you can find fun in paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming in these lagoons.
2. Cook Islands weather
The Cook Islands are said to have an optimal climate throughout the year, and so, the best time to travel to Cook Islands is anytime! When temperatures lower in the northern hemisphere, the Pacific islands, the Cooks, and New Zealand, in particular, soak up the sunshine. The Cook Islands enjoy a warm climate for most of the year, apart from the partly rainy season in December to April. The alluring Cook Islands weather is one of the prominent reasons why it is a favorite among tourists. So, the choice of when to travel to Cook Islands lies up to you!
3. Sustainable initiatives
The Cook Islands are investing heavily in sustainable initiatives. The Aitutaki and Rarotonga Cook Islands are scheduled to invest in solar power by the end of 2021. The islands also have a development plan to be fossil fuel-free by 2021. It would mean that there won't be any running diesel generators and instead switch to more sustainable options like solar power. A look at the Cook Islands map will show you that more than 99% of the exclusive economic zone consists of water. This area covers a staggering number of landscapes, flora, and fauna. The underwater bounty is protected and is one of the biggest examples of integrated environment conservation.
4. Affordable options of stay
If you ever thought that Cook Islands resorts are expensive, then you are wrong! The Aitutaki and Rarotonga Cook Islands are home to several luxe lodgings and beachfront bungalows, but mostly on a budget. Also, there are several other low-budget possibilities to score high on keeping to a low budget. Many of the Cook Islands resorts are self-contained houses that can be booked early to avail of any possible discounts. There are plenty of options when it comes to finding the right places to stay in the Cook Islands.
5. Cook Islands cuisine
Apart from the Cook Islands weather and the scenic beach backdrop, something else has caught widespread attention- the mesmerizing food! This small country has major taste buds. The flavor-packed meals are nothing short of a feast featuring fragrant curries, sizzling barbeques, fresh fish, and coconut bubble waffles. When here, don't forget to ask for the "Ota Ika" which means raw fish in the Cook Islands language. It is a dish that is made of fish marinated in citrus juice and coconut milk.
6. Cook Islands culture
The Cook Islands have a culture that is steeped in Polynesian and Maori traditions. It is believed that Cook Islanders are Polynesian ancestors from Tahiti who first settled in the area about 1400 years ago. When Captain James Cook discovered the Islands in 1773, the 15-island chain was spread across the South Pacific's vast waterscape. You can learn more about the Cook Islands culture and history from the Cook Islands library or the national museum.
7. Friendly locals
While being on one of the flights to Cook Islands, you should not have any doubts about the hospitality you would receive on the islands! The locals are extremely friendly and would love to have relaxed chats with you. So, if you find yourself invited for scrumptious dinner at a local's home, don't be surprised; they are great hosts as well. They are marvelous people who are fond of celebrating family time and festivals with equal enthusiasm.
8. Cook Islands beaches
If you are a beach lover, this is your time to rejoice! The Aitutaki and Rarotonga Cook Islands have some of the most picture-perfect tranquil swimming lagoons and white sand beaches. Scuba diving and snorkeling are some of the best activities you can get into in the awesome Cook Islands weather. The crystalline waters and the breathtaking marine life will take you to another level of beach life.
9. Cook Islands nights
Island nights is a memorable celebration of local culture, songs, dance, costumes, and cuisine. This fun experience should not be missed and is a classic example of where the Cook Islands are entertaining the tourists. Several resorts, hotels, and cultural centers in Rarotonga, Aitutaki, and Atiu host wonderful evenings with dance, music, and culture. You can enjoy the local cuisine and also participate in traditional dance moves.
10. The colorful markets
A look at the local Cook Islands map will show you the number of markets laced throughout the place. Among the many markets, Rarotonga's main township, the Punanga Nui Market, maybe the most popular. You can find stallholders selling handicrafts, art, and black pearls and find artisanal produce, including coconut vodka and dressings laced with lime. The Muri night market is great for the local delicacy, Ika Mata (a raw fish dish).
Conclusion
So much for getting to know about the interesting place of Cook Islands. It is a paradise for nature buffs and equally thrilling for adventure lovers. I suggest you take the chance of enjoying a pleasant vacation in this dream paradise. So, make plans of when to travel to Cook Islands, book one of the flights to the Cook Islands, get here, and explore the place with a Cook Islands map in hand!
