Cook Islands 7 Day Itinerary
Cook Islands 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation on Rarotonga
Places to Go:
- Avarua: The capital town where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and the local market.
- Muri Beach: A beautiful beach with calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Activities:
- Relax at your hotel or resort and enjoy the island vibe
- Take a leisurely walk around Muri Lagoon
Things to Know:
- Cook Islands is a popular tourist destination, but it’s still relatively off-the-beaten-path.
- Be prepared for occasional power outages due to generator use.
Day 2: Island Hopping on Rarotonga
Places to Go:
- Palmerston: A small island with stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters (day trip).
- Takitumu Conservation Area: A protected area with hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views.
Activities:
- Take a guided snorkeling tour to explore the coral reefs
- Visit a local pearl farm to learn about pearl production
Things to Know:
- Be sure to book your island hopping tour in advance.
- Respect the local conservation efforts and do not touch or disturb the wildlife.
Day 3: Explore Rarotonga’s Countryside
Places to Go:
- Te Vara Nui Village: A traditional Cook Islands village with thatched-roof huts (optional guided tour).
- Ara Metua Nu’uu Garden: A beautiful garden featuring local plants and flowers.
Activities:
- Take a guided bush walk through the island’s lush interior
- Visit a local market to purchase fresh produce and handicrafts
Things to Know:
- Be prepared for occasional rain showers.
- Respect the local customs and traditions when visiting traditional villages.
Day 4: Atiu (Black Parrot Island)
Places to Go:
- Ko Te Motu: A beautiful island with stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters (day trip).
- The Black Parrot Cave: A unique limestone cave featuring a rare black parrot species.
Activities:
- Take a guided snorkeling tour to explore the coral reefs
- Visit a local fisherman’s village to learn about traditional fishing methods
Things to Know:
- Atiu is a smaller island with fewer tourist facilities.
- Be prepared for occasional power outages due to generator use.
Day 5: Takaue and Mauke Islands
Places to Go:
- Takaue Island: A small island with stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters (day trip).
- Mauke Island: A beautiful island with hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views.
Activities:
- Take a guided snorkeling tour to explore the coral reefs
- Visit a local pearl farm to learn about pearl production
Things to Know:
- Be sure to book your island hopping tour in advance.
- Respect the local conservation efforts and do not touch or disturb the wildlife.
Day 6: Aitutaki (Piercing Needle Island)
Places to Go:
- Aitutaki Lagoon: A stunning lagoon with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
- Cape Maungapu: A scenic lookout point offering breathtaking views of the surrounding islands.
Activities:
- Take a leisurely walk around the island’s coastline
- Visit a local market to purchase fresh produce and handicrafts
Things to Know:
- Be prepared for occasional rain showers.
- Respect the local customs and traditions when visiting traditional villages.
Day 7: Departure from Rarotonga
Places to Go:
- Avarua: The capital town where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and the local market (for last-minute shopping).
Activities:
- Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel or resort
- Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the island’s top restaurants.
Visa Requirements:
- No visa is required for tourist stays in Cook Islands. A valid passport with at least six months’ validity is required.
- Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, and certain European countries can stay for up to 31 days without a visa.
Transportation:
- The easiest way to get around the islands is by air or sea transportation (ferries). Renting a car on Rarotonga is also an option.
- Book your island hopping tours in advance to avoid any issues with availability.
Other Things to Know:
- Be prepared for occasional power outages due to generator use.
- Respect the local customs and traditions when visiting traditional villages.