Add these activities to your Cook Islands vacation checklist
When in the Cook Islands, a lagoon cruise from Aitutaki to One Foot Island is a must-do, for the indescribable views alone.
If you’re putting together an itinerary for the Cook Islands, these cultural activities, tours and treats must be on your checklist.
- Browse the markets of Rarotonga for inexpensive black pearls, one of the Cook Islands’ chief exports.
- Take a safari tour to see the interior jungles and mountains of Aitutaki and Rarotonga, as well as to get a good sense of the islands. Tangaroa 4×4 Tours may be a good option, as the tour includes a traditional umu kai, or earth-oven feast.
- On Aitutaki, a lagoon cruise to One Foot Island is an absolute must. For indescribably beautiful scenery, live Polynesian music, snorkeling and barbecue, try Bishop Cruises.
- Hanging on the beach might seem like a no-brainer, but don’t forget to schedule time for it! The beaches are impressively underdeveloped, for the perfect day of relaxation and seclusion.
- Island nights, hosted frequently around Aitutaki and Rarotonga, are an entertaining way to catch some island culture in the form of traditional meals, fire dancing, hula and drumming. Tamanu Beach, on Aitutaki, is a good place to catch one. The hotel hosts Island Fire performances every Thursday.
- Be sure to try ika mata, a delicious island dish of raw fish marinated in lime juice and served with coconut cream.
