Cook Islands Things to Do

The picture-perfect lagoons of the Cook Islands hold boundless wonders for couples, families and adventurous travellers. Explore our round up of the best experiences, activities and things to do in the Cook Islands to inspire your next holiday itinerary.

The best things to do  in the Cook Islands

Book an eco-friendly Ariki Sea Scooter Turtle Safari and discover the fascinating marine life of the region. Swim close to sea turtles, eagle rays, moray eels, trevally and hundreds of species of tropical fish. An Aitutaki Day Tour with Air Rarotonga is also an unforgettable experience. Tour the island in an open air bus then spend the day cruising the lagoon aboard a modernised traditional Polynesian-style boat, Vaka Teariki Moana. Swim, snorkel and relax. 

Connect with the locals and get a taste of their culture at the Punanga Nui Saturday markets. The island style food, live entertainment and unique souvenirs are captivating. Try everything from piquant salads, super fresh garlic prawns, smoky barbeque meats and cheesecake to crepes and tropical smoothies. 

Unexpected & surprising things to do  

Get off the beaten track and hire an off-road buggy or a quad bike for a tour filled with laughter, mud and thrills. If hiking is more your style, tackle the challenging Cross-Island Track through dense forest to The Needle for spectacular views.  

Ready for another challenge? Go night paddleboarding. With boards lit from underneath, you can paddle in peace while stargazing. Finish the tour on a private island with a fire show.  

If you love marine animals, you’ll adore swimming with whales on the outer reefs of Aitutaki. A tour guide will encourage a protected, gentle encounter. Feeding the giant trevally on a lagoon cruise near Aitutaki is also fun.  

Ride on the party bus in Rarotonga and enjoy the best nightlife in the South Pacific. Safely visit bars and dance the night away then the bus will deliver you home to your hotel.  

Romantic things to do for couples  

The Cook Islands are inspiring for lovers. Feel the warm ocean breeze as you watch the sunset at a beach restaurant or arrange your own private dining experience. Step aboard a private lagoon cruise or charter a boat in Aitutaki  for an exquisite day or night out. When you need a break from exploring secluded beaches, visit one of the many day spas on the island for a couples’ massage or spa journey.

Family-friendly things to do in the Cook Islands

The lagoon has many family-friendly snorkelling spots for children of all ages. At Muri Lagoon you’ll see parrotfish, surgeonfish and butterfly fish. Glass-bottomed cruises are a great way of seeing the lagoon and will entertain kids of all ages. Around the corner Tikioki Beach with its rocky sea bed is a snorkeller’s paradise. Over at the Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve you’ll find brightly coloured coral and eye-catching tropical fish. If you like to travel with others, the Aitutaki Lagoon cruises are mostly family-friendly.  

Kids will love the traditional dance and feast shows on island nights so don’t miss this cultural extravaganza. Island life for kids is about the simple things; beach time, fishing, cycling, mini golf, glass bottom boats – all while connecting with their parents. 

​​​On the Raro Safari Tour kids learn about the rich natural and cultural history of the islands from expert storytellers. For older kids, deep sea fishing is a chance to look beyond the shore to a more remote destination, home to different marine species. They’ll also love learning about contemporary life in the Cook Islands and the environmental practices of islanders on the Storytellers Eco Cycle.  

The best cultural experiences  

Go to a traditional umu (earth oven) feast and see how villagers have been cooking fish, pork and other delicacies for centuries.  

Cook Islanders are very religious and attending Sunday church service is a joyful way to show your respect for, and interest in, the culture. Listen to their heartily sung hymns and see the islanders in their Sunday best.  

Let your creativity flow with hands-on cultural workshops ranging from Ei Katu, flower crown making to step-by-step painting classes with Coco Brush.  

Step away from the beaches for a day and go inland on a tour of Rarotonga with Raro Tours. Over in Aitutaki, explore the island with the Tavai Inventure Land Tour. 

The best foodie experiences  

From delicious takeaway to high-end dining, the Cook Islands have some of the best food in the South Pacific. There are both local and Western options available with skilled chefs able to cater for dietary preferences and allergies.  

Coffee culture is thriving here and cafés and food trucks line the major beaches selling tacos, burritos and sweet treats, as well as fish sandwiches and fruit. 

Local specialty ika mata is a salad dish of freshly caught fish marinated in coconut milk and lemon or lime and mixed with vegetables. 

An authentic dining experience is the progressive dinner tour, held by locals for visitors to get a real sense of island life. Dining in three different village homes allows you to see how people live, cook and celebrate life together.  

Adventurous things to do  

Conditions for beginner and experienced kitesurfers are perfect here. The water is warm all year round and winds are smooth in lagoons for beginners. The more experienced can head to remote reef edges where winds are stronger.  

Paddleboarding between tiny islets on Muri Lagoon, gliding over coral at Aroa Beach and drifting through the turquoise water of Ootu Beach is bliss. Watch the sunset on the night paddle and experience the serenity of being on the lagoon after dark. 

Divers will adore the deep sea opportunities around the Cook Islands. Explore shipwrecks and sunken barges, sand channel drop offs and extraordinary marine life – all with excellent visibility. Choose from a range of tours and dive guides who’ll lead you to almost 50 dive sites around the country. 

For a gentle adventure, set out on a kayaking tour around the uninhabited motu (islets) or go beyond the reef on a high energy jet ski tour.  

Visit the unspoiled outer islands like Atiu and go hiking, explore caves, admire coral cliffs and spend the days off-grid; bird-watching, swimming, frolicking on beaches and reconnecting with your loved ones. 

Whether it’s sailing across Aitutaki’s glittering lagoon, joining locals for a Sunday feast or finding hidden coves by scooter, the Cook Islands are made for romance, family fun and discovery.