Compare hotels in Cook Islands from AU$213

Toss a dart at a map of the South Pacific and you probably won’t hit the Cook Islands, but you’ll be in the vicinity of them. Hopefully. If not, just take out a magnifying glass and begin the search for your next holiday destination somewhere in between French Polynesia and American Samoa. These tiny, moss-covered rocks will delight you with their abundance of water activities, cultural festivals and all-around island life. All you have to do now is book accommodation in Cook Islands today and become a castaway tomorrow.

Best Things to Do in Cook Islands

First things first. Dive headfirst in the translucent waters of Aitutaki Lagoon, where you can swim with the fishes…maybe not the way “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero did on The Sopranos. If you never learned to swim, rent a kayak to go island-hopping throughout the lagoon. Check out One Foot Island—named after a guy with only one wheel—then head on over to Maina and then, of course, Muri Beach.

When you’re done pillaging the small islands of Aiutaki Lagoon like Blackbeard did in the Caribbean, don’t just waste away in your Cook Islands accommodation. Go to Te Vara Nui village to let Polynesian culture play out before your eyes. Don’t sit too close to the fire-breathers unless you want to go home two eyebrows short. But if you do lose some eyebrows, at least it’ll happen while you’re stuffing your face with ika mata, a dish consisting of raw fish marinated in lime juice and served with a side of coconut cream.

Getting to & Around Cook Islands

Your escape to paradise will begin when you arrive at Rarotonga International Airport (RAR), a short distance from many of the nearby resorts. Catch a coach transfer that provides meet and greet services so you feel as welcome as you do at grandma’s house. Taxis can quickly get you to most of our Cook Islands hotels, so pick one up outside the arrivals area. On some of the islands, cars aren’t necessary, but on the main island of Rarotonga, look into lastminute.com.au car hire options so you can explore every inch of this isle.

Popular Events

The Cook Islands at the end of July are very welcoming, thanks to the BCI Cook Islands Trade Day Event. Held on the main island of Rarotonga, this is a three-day celebration focusing on local food, handicrafts, dances and traditions. After gathering up souvenirs like a “fisherman’s god” (a small, carved figurine), sit down for a meal of ika mata (raw fish) with coconut milk and vegetables. It’s easily some of the best food in Cook Islands.

If you find yourself cruising this small archipelago in early August, you must check out Te Maeva Nui, the celebration of nationhood. When you see the Constitution Float Parade cruising down the streets of Avarua Township, you’ll know the festivities are about to kick off. Be sure to catch everything that’s going on at International Night, where entertainment from all the island nations living in the Cook chain are on display. Just think about it—you can see dances from New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and many more in one evening.

Party Zone/Nightlife

Just because this is a small archipelago in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean doesn’t mean you can’t cut loose. The Matutu and Cook Islands Breweries are where you can sample local craft beers and even take tours of the facilities. After you’ve had a few Kiva Pale Ales and Mai Lagers, head back to your hotel to toast the sunset. Many of the places to stay in Cook Islands have great bars—some beachside—where you can end the day.

Weekend Getaway

If you’re looking to get off the island for a little while, hop on a fishing charter and hit the high seas in search of the catch of the day. You’ll venture far out into the deep blue, cast your line and hopefully hook a beautiful mahi mahi. Or a tuna the size of a tractor trailer.

Maybe you’re only spending one day in Cook Islands—we can’t imagine how that’s possible, since these tiny rocks are about as remote as Mars—if so, you should take a Te Vara Nui Cultural Village tour. You’ll learn heaps about Polynesian history, from traditional medicine preparation to legends and beliefs. The “History Hut” is your first stop, where you’ll find out about traditional weaponry because hey, you never know when you might have to wield a shark-toothed club. You’ll explore other cultural huts while you’re there, but the grand finale is the feast at the end. Good luck standing after stuffing yourself silly.

Storm the beaches of this perfect getaway destination and go face-down in the sand with a cocktail in your hand. Search through lastminute.com.au’s best options for hotels in Cook Islands; be sure to bundle your favourites with one of our flights to Cook Islands to save money for all those beers you’re going to knock back on the beach. Enjoy your Cook Island holiday!