Cook Islands Vacation Travel Guide - Things to Do and See in Cook Islands - Trip Advisor & Booking
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00:00Cook Islands Vacation Guide
00:04Gorgeous and culturally diverse, the Cook Islands is a unique and fascinating destination.
00:10This tropical haven is home to crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling, diving, kayaking,
00:17and swimming.
00:18This is an unspoiled paradise complete with wide sand beaches, blue lagoons, and lush
00:24green mountains.
00:26Despite its status as an island nation, it is also a popular vacation spot for city slickers
00:32seeking a change of scenery.
00:34Are you planning your next vacation to Cook Islands?
00:38In this video, we will explore the Cook Islands as well as various destinations that will
00:43provide you with the best vacation experience.
00:47Use our Cook Islands Travel Guide to organize your vacation, cut costs, and make the most
00:53of your time in this paradise.
00:55Hey there, if you're new here, welcome to our channel.
01:01We provide vacation travel guides for some of the most adventurous regions around the
01:05world.
01:06In this video, we'll be providing a travel guide for anyone planning to explore the Cook
01:11Islands.
01:12Before we begin, please hit those like and subscribe buttons below to help our channel
01:18grow.
01:21CULTURE OF THE COOK ISLANDS
01:23The Cook Islands are a group of 15 islands in the South Pacific Ocean, making up a country
01:29with a total area of over 1,800,000 square kilometers, with a culture that reflects the
01:36traditions of the individual islands.
01:40While the islands are named after 18th-century British explorer Captain James Cook, Polynesians
01:47from Tahiti began settling in the Cook Islands in the 6th century.
01:53The culture and customs of the islands are a product of the many peoples that have lived
01:58there over the centuries.
02:00Tevaivai, a form of quilting, is an important tradition among women and may be seen in garments,
02:07sarongs, and jewelry made using local goods like shells.
02:12The Cook Islands Government's Culture Division is responsible for defending and archiving
02:17the country's cultural history.
02:19The Ariki, the historical chiefs in the social structure of the islands, are accorded respect
02:25and limited power by the House of Ariki.
02:29Ura is a sacred ritual dance from the Cook Islands.
02:32Typically, a woman performs it while five or more men beat on drums to accompany her
02:38as she tells the story.
02:40Make sure to attend an island night celebration, which combines traditional dancing with an
02:45umukai, a buffet-style feast.
02:48Fresh fish like octopus or clams, lamb or suckling pig, and fresh fruit, notable coconut,
02:55are staples on the Cook Islands' menus.
02:58We especially recommend that you savor local staples like ikamata, marinated raw fish,
03:04and poke, a pudding-like dish made with tropical fruit at a local market.
03:10The Cook Islands use the New Zealand dollar, but you may occasionally be given your change
03:14in Cook Islands cents and dollars.
03:17These have the same value, but be sure to spend all of this currency before leaving
03:21the country since it cannot be exchanged anywhere else in the world.
03:28Traveling to the Cook Islands
03:31Visiting the Cook Islands just got easier with flights now available via Auckland or
03:35Tahiti.
03:36In fact, New Zealanders love visiting the Cook Islands so much that the airport in Rarotonga
03:42receives multiple weekly flights from Auckland and Christchurch.
03:47Most other parts of the Cook Islands can only be accessed via Air Rarotonga domestic flights
03:53departing from Rarotonga.
03:55If you wish to visit one of the more distant islands, you must plan ahead because aircraft
04:01schedules vary with the seasons and may only operate once a month.
04:06It takes about 40 minutes to fly from Rarotonga to Aitutaki, the second most popular island.
04:14Only the islands of Manihiki, Penryn, and Pukapuka in the northern group have airports.
04:21The Cook Islands are too far apart to easily travel by boat compared to Pacific islands
04:26like French Polynesia or Hawaii.
04:29The only way to cross the water is on a private boat or one of the few slow cargo ships as
04:35there are no ferries.
04:37However, small boat transportation is available between some islands and nearby islets and
04:43other islands.
04:45In the Cook Islands, there are no branded resorts, no buildings taller than a coconut
04:50tree, no crowds, and no stoplights.
04:54Yet, the islands offer modern conveniences and undiscovered luxury with a wide range
05:00of accommodation options and activities for every type of traveler.
05:07Best Time to Visit
05:09It's a beautiful tropical environment all year round and the best time to visit depends
05:13on your personal preference.
05:16The Cook Islands are located in the equatorial Pacific Ocean and have a mild tropical climate.
05:22However, the 15 individual islands have a wide range of weather conditions.
05:29Since it is further south and away from the equator, Rarotonga normally has cooler weather
05:33than Aitutaki.
05:36Southern Hemisphere winter June through August is the most popular time to visit because
05:41during this time of the year, the islands are sunny and pleasant.
05:45At night, you could get chilly so bring a sweater or a light jacket.
05:50In the Cook Islands, cyclone season is from November to March.
05:55High humidity, rain, wind, and gloomy sky and seas might result from surrounding weather
06:00patterns, even if cyclones don't directly impact the islands.
06:05Between September to October and March to May, the Cook Islands experience their shoulder
06:10seasons.
06:11While temperatures are comfortable, precipitation is more likely than in the busier winter months.
06:18From July to October, humpback whales can often be seen from the Rarotonga foreshore.
06:25The whales come from Antarctica to the warmer waters of the Cook Islands to mate, give birth,
06:31and rest.
06:32The Cook Islands' exclusive zone has been formally declared a Whale Sanctuary.
06:39Which Islands to Choose?
06:42Rarotonga
06:43Rarotonga has the most developed and popular tourism, infrastructure, and attractions among
06:49the Cook Islands.
06:50The warmth of the tropical sun surrounds you.
06:53The scent of the frangipani washes over you.
06:57The most pressing decision that you face?
06:59Should you climb the summit of the island's majestic volcanic peak or explore the crystal-clear
07:05turquoise waters and swim with the schools of tropical fish?
07:09The only international airport serving the Cook Islands is located on Rarotonga, making
07:15it the perfect gateway destination for new travelers.
07:19Hire a rental car or jump on the back of a scooter and enjoy the wind on your face as
07:24you cruise around the island.
07:26It takes just 45 minutes to drive around the whole island, so you'll never feel like you're
07:31stuck in the same spot.
07:34Itutaki
07:36Although smaller, Itutaki offers a variety of places to stay and things to do.
07:41Itutaki is home to approximately 1,800 people and the world's most beautiful lagoon.
07:48It's only a 15-minute flight from Rarotonga.
07:51Secluded and romantic, 15 islets are sprinkled across this huge turquoise sunlit lagoon.
07:57Air Rarotonga offers an Itutaki day tour experience from Rarotonga including transfers, airfares,
08:05a lagoon cruise, snorkeling, and lunch.
08:09Itutaki offers a variety of activities including cultural shows called Island Nights, water
08:15sports, excellent dining, and relaxing spa treatments.
08:21Atiu
08:22Atiu is only a quick 45-minute flight from Rarotonga and Itutaki with Air Rarotonga.
08:30Home to approximately 400 proud warrior people, there are few untouched places left in the
08:35world like Atiu.
08:38Over 8 million years old, our largest island is one big adventure playground, ancient and
08:44unspoiled.
08:45Rich in culture and history, Atiu is an eco-lover's paradise.
08:50With no nightclubs, virtually no township, and a couple of cafes along with precious
08:56little traffic, this is a true escape.
09:00Life is pretty much the same as it was some 25 years ago and therefore offers really genuine
09:06insight into island living with its five small villages.
09:11Gardens thrive on Atiu's rich soil and on certain days, the soft aroma of organically
09:17grown coffee beans roasting wafts pass from plantations that produce some of the best
09:23Arabica coffee in the Pacific.
09:28Mangaya
09:29Mangaya is steeped in legend and mystique.
09:32Estimated at 18 million years old, it is one of the oldest islands in the Pacific.
09:39Mangaya is only a 40-minute flight from Rarotonga with Air Rarotonga.
09:44With a volcanic plateau framed by a ring of high fossilized coral cliffs, Mangaya's remarkable
09:51natural beauty, serenity, and ancient artifacts have captured the hearts and minds of archaeologists
09:58and anthropologists for generations.
10:02Mangaya is the perfect place for those wanting to explore and experience life in one of nature's
10:08most fascinating and secluded locations.
10:12Tourists come to this area to go down and explore the cave system with the help of local
10:17guides.
10:18Attractive rock pools, freshwater lakes, imposing cliffs, and vegetation are further highlights
10:25of this area.
10:29Other things to see and do in the Cook Islands.
10:33Take a fishing trip.
10:35With translucent waters, tropical temperatures, and pristine reefs dropping sharply into the
10:41Pacific Ocean, this is an angler's paradise.
10:45From tossing a line in the shallows or venturing into the deep blue, all year round is a good
10:50time to try your luck.
10:52Fly fishing, lagoon fishing, and spearfishing, and all types of boat fishing are popular.
10:58The Cook Islands are home to some of the world's best prospects for deep-sea fishing.
11:02Wahoo, barracuda, dolphinfish, yellowfin, skipjack tuna, sailfish, marlin, and mahi-mahi
11:10thrive in this area because the currents, reefs, and marine topography work together
11:16to create optimal conditions.
11:20Go kayaking.
11:22Around Muri Beach, located on the island of Rarotonga, the water is exceptionally clear,
11:29making it an ideal location for snorkeling and kayaking.
11:32Paddling around the protected lagoon surrounding Rarotonga on a kayak is a stress-free and
11:38easy way to see the sights.
11:41Ariki Adventures on Rarotonga has introduced an all-new experience to view marine life
11:46and coral formations with guided glass-bottom kayak tours.
11:51The glass-bottom kayaks are modified so the usual plastic base is replaced with clear
11:56viewing glass.
12:00Visit the Aitutaki Marine Research Center.
12:04This modest research facility is dedicated to rehabilitating marine animals, including
12:09green sea turtles and gigantic clams, as part of its work on marine restoration projects.
12:16During your tour of the facility, you will have the opportunity to look closely at some
12:21aquatic creatures and hear more about the research conducted at the center.
12:27Even though there is no charge to enter, they rely entirely on donations so if you can,
12:33please be as helpful as you can.
12:38Shop at Punanganui Market.
12:40On Saturday mornings, this market in Rarotonga is the place to be if you want something to
12:45do.
12:46It is teeming with businesses that sell locally manufactured handicrafts, jewelry, artwork
12:51and even ukuleles that have been crafted by hand.
12:55Black pearls mined in the outer islands and sold in a variety of trinket forms are one
13:01of the most popular products.
13:04The Cook Islanders are known for their 8-string ukuleles and slit drums, making these musical
13:10instruments very popular souvenirs.
13:14The Punanganui Market offers a wide range of different dishes.
13:18Whether it's chicken, kebabs, wraps, fries, grilled lamb, pancakes, waffles or the famous
13:25chicken rice with mushroom sauce, there's something for everyone.
13:30Various types of locally grown Rarotonga fruits and vegetables are available here.
13:35The most common are bananas, star fruit, passion fruit, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, watermelon
13:42and mangoes.
13:45Visit the Araita Tonga Marae.
13:47The remains of an ancient royal court and the most important marae site on the island
13:52can be found not far from Rarotonga.
13:55This historic and sacred site consists of several stone structures forming a kotu or
14:01royal court where Maori chiefs were inaugurated.
14:05It was constructed in 1250 CE and is characterized by huge stone pillars and a platform of around
14:1110 feet.
14:13Even though most of the land has become overgrown, it is still a good place to go to to get a
14:18feel for the historical past.
14:23Take a food tour through local homes.
14:26The progressive dinner in Rarotonga is one of the most unique cultural dining experiences
14:31in the Cook Islands.
14:32Guests on this tour will have the opportunity to visit three local homes, enjoying a different
14:38course at each home.
14:39A small string band will also follow along the way, providing authentic island music
14:44and fun entertainment.
14:47Led by Cook Islands Tours, you'll be picked up from your accommodation and taken to the
14:51first home of the evening where everyone will enjoy a tour of the first host's home garden.
14:57After the tour, you'll have your first course of the night before moving on to the next
15:01house for the main course.
15:04Here at the second home, guests will be treated to a buffet feast featuring popular local
15:09Cook Islands dishes.
15:11Then, your dessert hosts will treat you to fresh-picked fruit, sweet treats, and Atiu
15:17Island brewed coffee.
15:20See the sunset at Black Rock
15:23The best site to view the sunset on Rarotonga is Black Rock.
15:27Located on the island's northern coast, Black Rock Beach is historically and culturally
15:32important to the people of Rarotonga.
15:35Facing northwest and receiving all-day sun, the lagoon area is a popular aqua playground.
15:42The prominent Black Rocks serve as diving platforms into the rock pools below.
15:47Black Rock is also the home of Rarotonga's only golf course, as well as the tennis center
15:53and beach volleyball courts.
15:55The famous Black Rock stands out dramatically against the glowing orange sky during the
16:00evening.
16:01If you scale to the peak, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the
16:06sea below.
16:09Highland Paradise Cultural Tour
16:12The Highland Paradise Cultural Tour takes you high up into the rugged mountains of Rarotonga
16:18to an open-air museum showcasing evidence of a historical lost village and the survival
16:24of the Polynesian people.
16:27The tour allows visitors to relive Polynesian life including demonstrations of cultural
16:32activities such as coconut husking and traditional cooking.
16:37This experience allows visitors to wander through the center at their own pace, taking
16:42in the entertaining DVD theater, souvenir shop, and best of all, the tasting of local
16:49delicacies.
16:52Murray Lagoon Morning Cruise
16:54Murray Lagoon is located on the eastern side of Rarotonga and boasts clear turquoise waters
17:01and a host of marine life.
17:03On this cruise, you will be taken from the white sandy beach out onto the lagoon in a
17:07glass-bottom boat for a morning on the water.
17:11Snorkel and swim among tropical fish in the marine conservation site and view the giant
17:16clams which lay far below.
17:18On board, the crew will keep you entertained with some traditional ukulele playing, coconut
17:23husking, and weaving.
17:25And a fish barbecue is served on Koromiri Island before the boat returns on the beach.
17:34That sums up our travel guide for your next adventure on the Cook Islands.
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