Cook Islands 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Travelling in the Cook Islands

Day 1: Arrival in Rarotonga

Places to Go:

  • Muri Beach: A stunning beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
  • Avarua Village: The largest village on the island, featuring a bustling market, shops, and restaurants.

Activities:

  • Snorkel or swim at Muri Beach
  • Explore Avarua Village and its surroundings

Things to Know:

  • Time Zone: Cook Islands is 13 hours ahead of GMT.
  • Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD) is the official currency, but credit cards are widely accepted.

Visa Requirements:

No visa required for most nationalities. However, check with your government’s travel advisory website or consult with the embassy of Cook Islands in your home country.

Transportation:

  • Airport Transfer: Use a pre-booked taxi service from Rarotonga International Airport to your accommodation.
  • Renting a Car: Rent a car or scooter to explore the island. Companies like Raro Rentals and Cook Islands Scooters offer a range of vehicles.

Day 2: Island Hopping

Places to Go:

  • Aitutaki Lagoon: A stunning turquoise lagoon with white sandy beaches.
  • One Foot Island: A small island with a beautiful beach, perfect for snorkeling or swimming.

Activities:

  • Take a ferry from Rarotonga to Aitutaki (approximately 1.5 hours)
  • Snorkel or swim in the Aitutaki Lagoon
  • Visit One Foot Island

Things to Know:

  • Weather: Weather can be unpredictable, especially during peak season (May-October). Pack accordingly.
  • Respect Local Customs: The Cook Islands are a conservative country. Dress modestly when visiting local villages.

Day 3: Cultural Experience

Places to Go:

  • Arorangi Village: A small village featuring traditional Cook Island architecture and culture.
  • The National Museum: Learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the Cook Islands.

Activities:

  • Attend a cultural performance at Arorangi Village (check schedules in advance)
  • Visit The National Museum

Things to Know:

  • Language: Te reo Maori is an official language, but English is widely spoken.
  • Respect Local Traditions: Learn about the local customs and traditions before attending any cultural events.

Day 4: Adventure

Places to Go:

  • Te Vaima Bridge: A scenic lookout point offering stunning views of the island.
  • The Waterfall: A picturesque waterfall located in a lush forest area.

Activities:

  • Hike from Te Vaima Bridge to The Waterfall (approximately 1 hour)
  • Visit the Black Rock: A historic site featuring ancient petroglyphs.

Things to Know:

  • Safety: Be mindful of your surroundings and take necessary precautions when hiking.
  • Respect Nature: Leave nothing behind but bubbles, take nothing but memories.

Day 5: Relaxation

Places to Go:

  • Muri Beach (again!): Spend the day relaxing on this beautiful beach.
  • Your accommodation: Take some time to relax in your hotel or resort.

Activities:

  • Nothing planned?: Take a leisurely stroll around your accommodation, or simply sit back and enjoy the island atmosphere.

Things to Know:

  • Check-out Time: Ensure you check out of your accommodation on time to avoid any additional fees.
  • Farewell: Bid farewell to the Cook Islands, but not before making sure you have all necessary documents (passport, boarding pass, etc.).