The best part of any journey is the experiences you have along the way, leaving you with memories to relive long after the holiday is over. The Cook Islands have countless amazing things to see and do. Here are five of our favourites to inspire your wanderlust.

Punanga Nui Market
The Punanga Nui Markets is an experience not to be missed and a great opportunity to mingle with the locals. Held every Saturday by the waterfront in Avarua on Rarotonga, it is one of the biggest social events of the week. Wander through market stalls and shop for highly sought after black pearls, ukuleles and colourful pareo’s (sarongs). Try homemade delicacies and recharge with a coffee and a delicious coconut bun. Head over to the main stage and enjoy the live entertainment.

Lagoon Cruises
No holiday to the Cook Islands would be complete without experiencing the stunning lagoons. A cruise on Muri Lagoon, Rarotonga, is a must. Snorkel or take a glass bottom boat tour to discover colourful marine life and afterwards enjoy a delicious barbecue seafood lunch. Aitutaki, ‘a little paradise’, consists of 15 secluded motus (islets) sprinkled across the vast turquoise lagoon. Visit One Foot Island and get your passport stamped at the world’s smallest post office.

Island Nights
A highlight of any visit to the Cook Islands is an Island Night cultural show, where history and traditions are shared through music, song and dance. Held at a variety of resorts and cultural centres on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, these nights are often combined with a traditional Cook Islands feast (umu kai) where you can sample local dishes like Ita Mata (marinated raw fish salad). Marvel at the skills of the fire dancers and watch singers and dancers swing their hips to the beat of island drums. It is great fun for the whole family especially when the audience participates in the traditional dance moves.

Hiking
Rarotonga is paradise for nature lovers with walks that cross the island and take you off the beaten track. One of the most popular is the Cross Island Trek where you hike from the north coast over the mountainous interior and down to the south coast. Be rewarded with amazing views from the Needle (Te Rua Manga) and cool off at Wigmore’s waterfall. Other walking tracks include Raemaru Trek, Takuvaine Valley Trail and Avana Valley Track. Most of the walks are sign posted and have different degrees of difficulty.

Adventure on wheels
With a circumference of just 32 kilometres, it’s easy to circle Rarotonga on wheels. With no traffic lights on the island, hiring a car, motor scooter or electric bike is a popular way to explore at your own pace. Adventure seekers will love getting off the beaten track with a buggy or quad bike tour. Travel across muddy, rocky terrains and through streams as you head into the jungle. Take to the mountains on a 4WD inland safari and discover ancient maraes and palaces. It is a great way to experience another side of island life!

Visa required: No

The charms of Niue are like no other South Pacific Island. In fact, they are like nowhere else on Earth. Niue offers a banquet of rare and exciting delights, then allows space for you to explore and enjoy them on your own. Far from wrapping its visitors in commercial cotton padding, the island of Niue exposes the raw traveller within, the one inside that aches for genuine adventure and authentic experiences. This does not imply, however, that a holiday to Niue means sacrificing modern comforts, for the island’s tourism industry is well equipped and its people are warm and accommodating. It does suggest though that instead of preparing for a holiday of retail therapy and passive entertainment, visitors to Niue should pack a pair of good walking shoes and their adventurous spirit.

Niue is a one-island destination, offering its abundant gifts within an oval shape approximately 68km in diameter. Being one of the world’s largest raised coral atolls, its fascinating landscape is unlike the surrounding islands of Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands. Instead of long stretches of sandy beaches, the coastal limestone cliffs of Niue hide a vast network of magnificent caves and secluded swimming coves. Inland, the island shelters lush rainforests teeming with unique flora and fauna. These natural wonders exist in a pleasant climate that rarely reaches above 30°C in winter (May to October) and is similar throughout summer with possible increases in temperature (November to April). Originally settled by Polynesians from Samoa around 900AD, Niue is now classed as a self-governing country in free association with New Zealand, with the New Zealand dollar as local currency. Whilst English is spoken alongside the native Niuean language and all children receive a high level of western-style education, strong Polynesian roots predominate the Niuean lifestyle and their vibrant culture is cause for much celebration. Flights to Niue are serviced by Air New Zealand, flying from Auckland International Airport twice a week in peak season.

With a population on-island of less than 1500 people, the Niueans are like one big family. They smile and wave to all who pass, making visitors feel at home on arrival. With virtually no crime or dangerous wildlife, the island is a haven of relaxed exploration. In the daytime, discover spectacular walking tracks and caves, snorkel the coral reefs or dive amongst the crystal clear underwater caverns. Out to sea, enjoy Niue’s world-class fishing, or swim with dolphins and migrating Humpback whales (July to September). At night, watch the giant coconut crabs emerging, and then satisfy a well earned hunger at a selection of restaurants and eateries. At the end of just one adventurous day in Niue, upon retiring to any one of the charming accommodations available.

Visa required: Yes (Visa on arrival)

The people of Samoa radiate with indomitable strength. As custodians of the largest and most ancient structure in Polynesia, and as the first Polynesian nation in the 20th century to re establish independence, they have every reason to feel proud of the culture they represent. Many Samoans exhibit this pride through the display of traditional tattoo, with symbolic designs that are renowned and replicated throughout the Pacific and the world. Whilst Samoa has held onto its ancient customs, modern society is also a reflection of European influences – though it is the importance of respectful relationships within the community, the ‘Fa’a Samoa’, which principally guides Samoan life and politics.

Surrounded by spectacular beaches, lagoons and forests in a fertile volcanic setting, the islanders enjoy this communal lifestyle in a veritable paradise. Located just below the equator, Samoa’s warm breeze whispers of quintessential Polynesia.

The wave of ocean voyagers from Southeast Asia that settled Samoa more than 3,000 years ago, brought with them the beginnings of Pacific Island culture. Remains such as the 1000 year old pyramid structure on Savai’i Island are compelling reminders of a culture that once thrived on Samoan soil. In 1997, the westerly Samoan islands dropped the ‘Western’ from the beginning of their title, and now proudly commemorate their Independence Day on June 1st. Celebrations are in true Samoan style: as a united community with deep Christian faith, sanctified by the ceremonial drink of ‘ava (an infusion prepared from a type of pepper plant).

Samoa’s archipelago of nine islands lies half way between Hawaii and New Zealand, just east of the International Date Line. The climate is tropical with an average daily temperature of around 27°C, with the wet season falling from October to March. The island of Savai’i is the largest, though it is the more densely populated Upolu that is home to the capital city of Apia and Faleolo International Airport. Samoa is well connected to the outside world, with regular flights from Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Fiji and American Samoa. Accommodations range from simple beach fales (huts) to luxury resorts, and visitors are spoilt with quality restaurants, vibrant local markets, world-class golf courses and awe-inspiring National Parks. The islands of Samoa also boast an array of natural spectacles such as waterfalls, caves, blowholes and lava fields. It is this generous and eclectic nature of Samoa’s offerings, served with a healthy side of Polynesian warmth and national pride, which ensures each visitor an exceptional South Pacific experience.

Visa required: No (conditions apply)

The name conjures up exotic images of crystal clear lagoons, sparkling white-sand beaches, and stunning overwater bungalows, swaying palms, dramatic mountain peaks and beachside cocktails. A vision of pure South Pacific paradise, blending luxury and relaxation with natural beauty.

A nine-hour flight from our east coast yet a world away in spirit, the Islands of Tahiti effortlessly blend Polynesian and French influences to create a holiday experience you will never forget.

Indulge in the views of volcano peaks towering over turquoise lagoons. Savour the tastes of fresh seafood and exotic fruits. Inhale the scent of fragrant tropical flowers, breathe in the pure relaxation at a beachside spa and end the day savouring a private candlelit dinner, lagoon-side or on your own overwater deck, under a starlit sky throwing reflections over calm lagoon waters.

Whether you are on an anniversary, honeymoon, romantic getaway or simply seeking to experience the unique and renowned natural beauty, the Islands of Tahiti are a vast paradise waiting to be enjoyed.

Papeete
Arrive in the capital of French Polynesia and find yourself immediately immersed in the tropical wonders and magical mystique of French Polynesia. Papeete is the heartbeat of the largest, liveliest and most renowned island of Tahiti: a pure natural paradise with its lush tropical forests, stunning flora and fauna, majestic cascading waterfalls and secluded bays.

Bora Bora
Lose yourself in the intoxicating allure of legendary Bora Bora, renowned as one of the world’s most romantic destinations. A short 50 minute flight from Tahiti and vibrant blues, sparkling whites, deep-orange sunsets await. Revel in breathtaking views of the iconic lagoon day-round from the private deck of your overwater bungalow, a distinctive Tahitian feature with thatchedroof and unmatchable calm ambience. There is no better place to unwind, indulge, connect and relax, your views framed by the towering peak of Mount Otemanu. Dive off the deck into the tranquil lagoon water and experience mystique and exhilaration that mere words cannot fully capture. Escape to your own private motu for a romantic lunch showcasing the stunning local produce, or splash out in style with a deluxe VIP day tour or high-end lagoon cruise. Stroll the warm white sand beaches and savour a champagne or cocktail beside gently lapping water as you lose yourself in the sunset. Luxuriate in a day spa and treat your taste buds to exquisite dining from just about every cuisine you could savour. The famed beauty is everywhere in beautiful Bora Bora, whether you are exploring the lush interior on 4WD safari tour or diving beneath the surface of the picturepostcard lagoon to marvel at the tropical fish and beautiful coral gardens.

Moorea
Fall in love with this heart-shaped island flanked by two stunning bays. Deep blue waters, fragrant frangipanis and unmistakable serenity capture your spirit as soon as you arrive after a short 15-minute flight from Papeete.

With its isolated waterfalls and lush valleys, Moorea is the perfect place to unwind through yoga, meditation or massage. Marvel at the abundance of fresh pineapple, banana, mango, coconut and vanilla, sample the local rum and jam before treating yourself to a gastronomic adventure to delight your tastebuds. In an unforgettable culinary experience, be wowed as a local chef proudly serves up diverse, delicious Tahitian cuisine and street foods. Escape by outrigger canoe to your own sun-soaked private motu picnic beside sparkling clear tropical water. Lose yourself in a candlelit beachfront dinner, experiencing the magic of starlit skies above reflective waters as you wine and dine barefoot in South Pacific style. Capture a taste of culture at the Polynesian village of Tiki; sense the religious significance and sacred serenity at majestic temples and forest maraes. Take a lagoon tour by boat to wonder at the colourful marine life, or relax in a motorised outrigger canoe or catamaran at sunset. For an extra splash of nature and traditional ways, a culture tour can include net fishing, where you cook the catch. Wherever you are on Moorea, the colours, scents and serenity sweep you up.

Visa required: No

Though modernity has entered Vanuatu’s mystic jungle and introduced first-world comforts, both the islands and their indigenous inhabitants have managed to sidestep the changes around them with little compromise. The primeval origins of humankind are revealed through the Ni-Vanuatu people: Their tribal traditions and deep reverence of the natural world complimenting the islands’ wild landscapes and fiery volcanoes.

Vanuatu has the highest density of indigenous languages per capita in the world, yet despite this cultural diversity the common thread of Ni Vanuatu custom is that all life is sacred and magical. Perhaps this belief contributes to their infamously bright smiles, which, like their surroundings, reflect an unspoilt beauty.

Stretching 1,300 kilometres southeast from the Solomon Islands to the northeast of New Caledonia, the 83 islands of The Republic of Vanuatu are only a short distance from Australia’s eastern seaboard. English, French and Bislama are the official languages of Vanuatu.

Most of the islands are of volcanic origin, though with such a large north-south area, there are variations in both landscape and climate. The average daytime temperature ranges from 20°C to 32°C, though generally December to March are the warmest months, with January and February being the most wet and humid.

International flights depart from the nation’s capital of Port Vila on Efate Island, directly connecting Vanuatu to Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands. Most visitors start their journey on the two main islands of Efate and Espiritu Santo, and then travel to Tanna Island to marvel at Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes.

There are beautiful beaches, reefs, rivers, mountains and jungles, and a range of accommodations and delicious cuisine available to explore on the islands.

Visa required: No