The Cook Islands - Far From Anywhere - Is The Journey Worth it
If you’re after wild nightlife and constant activity, the Cook Islands might not be your spot. But if stunning beaches, peace, and switching off are what you need? You might fall in love with the stillness
First Impressions: Breathtaking… and Quiet
Let’s get this out of the way: the beaches are genuinely incredible. White sand, palm trees, impossibly clear water — it’s postcard-perfect. But there’s a side you might not expect unless you’ve been: the water is cold (at least colder than you’d imagine), and the air temp is more mild than tropical. Of course depends on what time of you you go, I went in ‘summer’. Ok think tee shirts and shorts in the day but jeans and jumpers in the evening.
You’ll Want a Good Place to Stay
Here’s the thing — there’s not a huge list of things to do, so your accommodation becomes your base and your entertainment. Choose wisely.
Ideally, pick a beachfront resort or villa so you can gaze across the sea while you read or just ‘be’.
The ideal location is the South Eastern corner of the island. The closer to the Muri Lagoon the better.
You’ll be spending more time there than on action-packed excursions.
Don’t Miss the Weekend Market
Rarotonga’s capital, Avarua, is a sleepy town, but on Saturday mornings, it comes alive.
Head to the Punanga Nui Market for: local food, handcrafted souvenirs ( not too much junk from the Far East), some island music and dancing and the hum from locals and tourists alike. Look to spend 2 hours on average here
But by Sunday? The whole island powers down. The many many churches are full, but most shops and restaurants close (super markets tend to be open) and the vibe is ultra chill. Plan ahead if you want to eat or do anything that day. Note alcohol sales are zero on Sunday.
Another quirky visit is to drive past the islands prison. Have you look and you will see what I mean.
More Tips- Restaurants Get Booked – Early. And You Really Do Need Transport.
A quirky but important tip: if you want to eat at a restaurant, book that morning. Many popular spots fill up quickly, and walk-ins are hit or miss.
There aren’t dozens of restaurants, so if you find one you love — make reservations early and often.
With getting around the islands, a car or moped is needed. Its one way around ( choose clockwise or anticlockwise) maybe the only place in the world you cant get lost. Honestly. The roads outside of the main town are not generally lit so be careful. I’ve never seen so many crashed cars on the road side (given the islands total car population). Pretty sure its a combination of the dark roads and maybe, given the spread out nature of the bars and restaurants, some illegal alcohol induced driving!
There are taxis on the island but they need to be booked well in advance and are not cheap.
So… What Do You Actually Do?
Honestly? Not much. And that’s kind of the whole point. Lounge about, go kayaking or supping ( try not to fall in , not only due to the embarrassment but well, that cold water again) , swim (good luck) , read, nap, repeat.
If you come expecting adventure, you might feel underwhelmed. Sure there are day trips and more to the other islands. if you have the budget to fly to the other islands then that’s another days activity.
Oh and do try and get your hand son the Cook Islands Newspaper. The worlds smallest newspaper?
If you’re after peace and a slower pace, the Cook Islands delivers.
Would I Go Back?
Yes — but differently. I’d go knowing that:
The vibe is chill, not buzzing
A great hotel matters
You really can just… be
- Don’t think you are coming to Bali or Thai island. Its not that vide and not that warm.
If that’s the type of escape you’re craving, the Cook Islands might be exactly what you need.