A Tropical & Romantic Cook Islands Vacation
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By Greg Mattson, ERV Editor - Updated: Dec 21, 2011
Imagine lying on a tropical beach, beautiful white sand, the waves gently lapping at your feet, and not a soul in sight!
We’ve been there, and the brochure pictures are all true - the Cook Islands really are a peaceful, uncrowded series of tropical isles perfect for a secluded vacation or honeymoon. If you’re wedding plans are stressing you out, a Cook Islands vacation could be the perfect chance to “de-compress”.
A romantic Cook Islands vacation honeymoon would suit couples looking for a serene getaway in an exotic, adventurous spot. Nightlife in Rarotonga centers around the few larger resorts on the island, and is not the “party-til-you-drop” type! Music, Cook Island dancing and Polynesian shows are featured. Rarotonga itself is very small-town South Pacific, an exciting and intriguing contrast to places like Hawaii.
There are some excellent Cook Islands activities for the adventurous types, both on land and in the water. The island of Rarotonga is surrounded by a coral reef, creating a crystal-clear lagoon perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Where Are the Cook Islands?
If you’re wondering where the Cook Islands are, they are located deep in the South Pacific, about 2700 miles (4370 kms) south of Honolulu. Auckland, New Zealand, is the closest major city, about 2200 miles (3550 kms) southwest.
The best way to get from the USA to the Cook Islands is from Los Angeles. Air New Zealand has some of the best airfares with non-stop flights from Los Angeles to the Cook Islands , and flight time from Los Angeles (LAX) to the Cook Islands (RAR) is about 10 hrs.
From Europe, the best route to the Cook Islands is on Air New Zealand, from either Frankfurt or London, with a stopover in Los Angeles. From cities in Asia, flying into Auckland first is the quickest way to go, and then connect on Air New Zealand to Rarotonga. Flight time from Auckland, New Zealand (AKL) to the Cook Islands is just 4 hrs. Currency: The New Zealand Dollar is used, and most major credit cards are accepted. The Best Time to Visit the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands gets most of its wet weather between December and March. So the best time to visit the Cook Islands would be from May to November. Temperatures are warm year-round, with daytime highs between 25 to 29 celcius . We found Rarotonga a very comfortable place to be, and the water temperatures excellent!
Cook Islands Sights and AttractionsAvarua – it's easy to walk around and explore the Cook Islands Capital. You'll enjoy the laid back, village feel. A couple of interesting libraries and museums to be found, as well as island crafts, some restaurants, and the interesting Punanga Nui Market.Cook Islands Cultural Village – A really worthwhile display of Cook Islands culture, including history, wood and coconut carving, dancing and food.
Things to Do on a Cook Islands VacationSwimming, Snorkeling & Diving – excellent on many spots around Rarotonga. Muri Beach is great for swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing and kayaking. The Cooks are also an excellent dive destination (even for beginners), and several island dive companies offer tours that will pick you up at your hotel/resort.Hiking - You can trek right across the island of Rarotonga (3+ hrs). If you have the energy, you can climb The Needle, the rugged peak near the center. The trail includes Wigmore's Waterfall, an exotic stream pouring into a wonderful tropical swimming pool. Scooter Rental – I’ve got fond memories of circling Rarotonga on our scooter! There are small scooters and motorbikes for rent in downtown Avarua. You'll need a Cook Islands Drivers License to do it legally, and they're available at the Police Station for $10 NZD and proof of a current overseas drivers license. Dining & Polynesia Show – A must-see when you're here. Easy to find at the bigger resorts like The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Edgewater Resorts. Excursions to Outer Islands - 2 of the outer islands reachable by plane are Aitutaki and Atiu, both about a 45 minute flight on Air Rarotonga. The turquoise lagoons and pristine beaches of Aitutaki are an incredible sight. Aitu is known for it's excellent hiking and chance to see traditional Cook Island life up close. Cook Islands Air & Hotel PackagesTypical 9 day/7 night Cook Islands package holidays from Los Angeles on Air New Zealand usually include:
Prices vary, but we've found them to be around $1700 USD (low-season, double occupancy, January 2012 prices).
There are a number of fine Cook Islands vacation resorts on Rarotonga and Aitutaki that offer many of the luxuries found at other tropical resorts worldwide. Here's a brief listing of just a few...
Romantic Cook Islands Honeymoon ResortsFor a quiet, secluded and relaxing South Pacific vacation or honeymoon, check out these Cook Islands resorts...
More on the Cook Islands & Beyond:Cook Islands Vacation InformationThe Official Website of the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation.
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