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Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands

Things to do in the Cook Islands

Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands
With 15 tiny islands scattered over an area the size of Western Europe, the Cook Islands offer a diverse range of activities and experiences tinged with an air of escapism.

There are a number of ways to explore the volcanic interior of Rarotonga, the archipelago’s main island, from 4x4 trips deep into the mountains to cultural tours featuring open-air museums.

Further afield, Aitutaki is one of the most striking islands in the South Pacific and can be visited on a day trip. A pristine coral atoll, it is an idyllic place to snorkel in the turquoise waters or relax on the pure white sands.
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Audley Travel Specialist Mikaela

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Cook Islands specialists

Ideas for experiencing the Cook Islands

Experiences you have as you travel often hold the longest memories. As part of their research trips, our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the Cook Islands, and the best local guides. These activities reflect some of their best-loved experiences.

  • Muri Lagoon Morning Cruise
    Muri Lagoon in Rarotonga

    Muri Lagoon Morning Cruise

    Rarotonga

    Muri Lagoon Morning Cruise

    Enjoy a morning cruise in Muri Lagoon and snorkel and swim among tropical fish in this marine conservation site.

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  • Day Trip to Aitutaki
    Aitutaki, The Cook Islands

    Day Trip to Aitutaki

    Rarotonga

    Day Trip to Aitutaki

    Enjoy a scenic flight over to Aitutaki where you will have a short tour of the island before joining your cruise, enjoying a selection of fresh tropical fruit whilst sailing out into the crystal clear lagoon.

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  • Cross Island Trek
    Cross Island Trek with Pa, Rarotonga

    Cross Island Trek

    Rarotonga

    Cross Island Trek

    This fascinating walk will take you deep into Rarotonga's lush interior to learn about the local flora and fauna, and their uses in ancestral medicine.

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  • Full Day Lagoon Cruise
    Lagoon cruise, Aitutaki

    Full Day Lagoon Cruise

    Aitutaki

    Full Day Lagoon Cruise

    Enjoy a full day's cruise around Aitutaki's stunning lagoon.

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  • Half Day Island Discovery Tour
    Te Rua Manga (The Needle) on Rarotonga

    Half Day Island Discovery Tour

    Rarotonga

    Half Day Island Discovery Tour

    Travel by air-conditioned minivan around the whole of the 32 km circumference of Rarotonga, in the company of a local guide.

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  • Half Day 4WD Inland Tour
    Mountains of Rarotonga

    Half Day 4WD Inland Tour

    Rarotonga

    Half Day 4WD Inland Tour

    This jeep tour will take you off the beaten track, away from the circular road around Rarotonga and in among the island's valleys and up its mountain tracks.

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  • Highland Paradise Cultural Tour
    Rarotonga Mountains

    Highland Paradise Cultural Tour

    Rarotonga

    Highland Paradise Cultural Tour

    The Highland Paradise Cultural Tour takes you high up into the rugged mountains of Rarotonga to an open-air museum, showcasing evidence of a historical lost village and the survival of the Polynesian people.

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