Cook Islands Travel Guide: 9 BEST Things to do in the Cook Islands (incl Rarotonga)

0:00 the Cook Islands may not be among the most popular tourist destinations but this archipelago has been referred to as the Hidden Gem of Oceania because of its impressive Landscapes and tourist activities here are the top things to do in the Cook Islands during your stay in this wonderful country number nine explore aitutaki Lagoon on a kayak if you want to get straight into the action by exploring a top tourist destination you should head out to itutaki Island where the aitutaki Lagoon awaits you this Lagoon is one of the most beautiful of its kind and it will take your breath away the blue colored water is magical and adds to the picture-perfect landscape at the Lagoon this destination has been referred to as Heavenly by many

0:47 past visitors prompting an end flock of new tourists trooping in to experience its scenes first hand a private Resort protects the Lagoon so you will need a permit to explore this Nature's Masterpiece however you will find it to be worth all the hassle you can take this experience a notch Higher by exploring this Lagoon on a kayak which you can easily rent here at the resort it allows you to explore the Lagoon up close and gives you a better view of the colorful fishes and marine life in the Serene Blue Water no doubt this is one destination you don't want to miss out on visiting during your stay here number eight learn Cook Islands culture at te varanui before heading down to the Cook Islands one thing to note is that this archipelago has unique cultural values

1:33 it is a mix of Polynesian Heritage and European influence that form unique Traditions which often capture the interest of tourists visiting the country if you want to enjoy the best of these cultural displays then your destination should be none other than tavaranui Village in Murray Beach this Village is by far the leading Cultural Center in these parts making it the go-to location for tourists looking to learn and enjoy Cook Islands culture in addition to this vast cultural heritage tavaranui is also an entertainment Hub booming with lots of exciting activities to keep you occupied during your stay you can join the cultural Village tour here to learn all you need to know about the Polynesian history and culture you can also stay for the over water night show in these parts where dancers

2:19 perform on a floating stage without a doubt your experience here will be one to remember number seven go on an off-road Bike Tour talk about the plenty of fun activities that await you in the Cook Islands and the bike tours will pop up among the most exciting this adrenaline pumping activity leads you off the main roads to some extreme bike trails that promise to be both challenging and fun many tourists visiting this archipelago often look forward to this biking Challenge and you could bet that this two wheels Adventure will be one of the highlights of your trip here Rarotonga which is the largest island here is popular for many reasons including its awesome bike trails so you can rent a suitable bike at any of the bike rental services across town and head out to enjoy a roller coaster

3:04 biking experience through your preferred Trail some of the most popular biking trails here in Rarotonga include the seven kilometer montevera Trail a rarangi back roads and the 15 kilometer atiu West Coast note that these Trails each have different difficulty levels so you have to stick to the appropriate Trails you don't want to end up losing out on the fun number six do the needle trick in Rarotonga while you're still in Rarotonga you may want to take on a different kind of activity as you challenge your physicality with the famous Cross Island trick of course you already know you will be involved in some hiking activities here in the Cook Islands and there are not so many trails as popular and exciting as the needle Trail this trail passes through some breathtaking landscapes in the island

3:50 jungle while also rewarding Trekkers with a Sublime view of the Pacific Ocean the moderately difficult Trail is about six kilometers long and can be completed in a half a day or list for expert Trekkers plus while it is possible to hike this Trail alone it would be a lot more fun to join other tourists on a guided Trek through this path however one thing is sure and it is the fact that you'll find this experience to be magnificent and memorable by the way if you want to learn how to save money on airfares then click the link in the description below this guide will teach you how to always get the cheapest flights number five take a trip to the one foot Island if you are looking for an exciting Beach experience the many water bodies in these parts only signify that you will encounter many Fantastic

4:35 beaches during your travels however you may want to head down to Tap Away Thai where you will find what is arguably the best beach in the Cook Islands plus the White Sands and slightly bent coconut trees on the shore of the clear water here provide just the perfect settings for an unforgettable Beach experience popularly referred to as the one foot Island this popular tourist destination is about 200 meters long and we resembles a left foot from its top view not only is this picturesque Island perfect for relaxation it also supports ideal beach activities like swimming and snorkeling among others you can also spot rare sea life like giant clams brightly colored corals and hermit crabs here at the beach number four visit the arroa Marine reserve another exciting

5:22 stop to take on your tour of the islands in this archipelago is the arroa Marine reserve on the southwestern part of Rarotonga Island this is a top tourist destination for many reasons including the fact that it is one of the best snorkeling spots in the Oceania region as a result snorkelers from all over the world often make their way here to dive around this Crystal Clear Water plus the Lagoon is in excellent depth and can accommodate amateur swimmers since motorized boats are banned from this surface you can rest assured that the water is safe for children too snorkelers can spot a wide range of marine life here in the lagoon including species like parrotfish Mariah eels angelfish Moorish idols and Rass if you are not fond of snorkeling you can explore the Marine reserve on a kayak

6:09 for a similarly incredible experience number three take on the beauty of the mayor Nui Gardens of course there are a handful of destinations around the country to enjoy an alternate experience if you need a break from the water activities and Beach experience in these parts but none trumps the ever so delightful marinui Garden on Rarotonga Island this Garden may not be the top attraction in the Cook Islands but it certainly stands among the most beautiful destinations in the country it encompasses Seven Acres of breathtaking Landscapes exotic Lakes unique plants Pathways and strange rock formations sure to leave you amazed the garden is ideal for strolls and is often the go-to location for a couple's getaway in these parts the Lush Garden comprises

6:55 different plants that combine to make it the colorful and Splendid location it is you will also find palm trees Rising higher than most plants and dragonflies flying over the awe-inspiring landscape here at the end of your stroll you can relax and grab a bite at the little cafe towards the exit Point number two Trek to the top of Mount faungapu another exciting trick to add to your bucket list of things to do in the Cook Islands is the Trek of the famous Mount maungapu located on itutaki island this Trail leads all the way up to the highest point on the island well it is no more than a 30 minutes Trek to the top but it promises a fantastic experience that you will not forget anytime soon to cap it all off the view from the top of the

7:40 mountain is quite extraordinary and it is just the ideal reward for your efforts you may want to bring along plenty of water and insect repellent and a camera with which to capture the beautiful landscapes number one go snorkeling at Titi cabeka Beach if you have prior knowledge about the Cook Islands then you must have heard about the most Serene beach in the country which is the titica Vega Beach it is located in the takitumu district and is often open to tourists all day and night known for its clear waters it is said that you only need to stand close enough to the Lagoon to spot various colorful fishes under the surface the White Sands on the shore are perfect for relaxation and the tall trees provide shade from the Sun however the highlight of your

8:26 visit here is not until you get to the appropriately deep water although you can swim in the lagoon you may want to come along with your snorkeling gear to maximize this experience snorkelers can witness the amazing marine life here up close and the Lagoon is set to be dotted with blue sea stars click on this next video now for more tips to help you explore your favorite destinations better when traveling foreign [Music]