Home β€Ί Countries β€Ί Cook Islands

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡° Cook Islands

The impossibly blue Aitutaki lagoon, the lush peaks of Rarotonga and warm Polynesian culture β€” the Cook Islands are the South Pacific dream, on island time.

Visa-free πŸ“… Best: Apr–Nov (dry) πŸ’΅ $150/day avg
πŸ™οΈ
Capital
Avarua
πŸ’±
Currency
NZ Dollar (NZ$)
πŸ—£οΈ
Language
Cook Islands Māori, English
πŸ“…
Best time
Apr–Nov (dry)
πŸ›‚
Visa
Visa-free (entry permit)
πŸ’΅
Avg daily budget
$70 – $450
πŸ›‘οΈ
Safety
Very safe
✈️
Main airport
Rarotonga (RAR)
Overview

Why travellers love Cook Islands

Rarotonga's beaches and cross-island trek anchor the trip, while a flight to Aitutaki reveals one of the world's most beautiful lagoons.

Friendly, English-speaking and made for honeymoons and relaxation.

Where to go

Top places in Cook Islands

The destinations worth building your trip around.

Aitutaki

Aitutaki

πŸ—“ 2–3 days

One of the world's finest lagoons.

BeachHoneymoonIconic
Rarotonga

Rarotonga

πŸ—“ 3 days

Lush main island and beaches.

BeachNature
Muri Lagoon

Muri Lagoon

πŸ—“ 1–2 days

Calm snorkelling and motus.

BeachRelax
Atiu

Atiu

πŸ—“ 1–2 days

Caves, coffee and birdlife.

AdventureNature
Plan day by day

Cook Islands itineraries

Ready-made routes β€” tap a duration to see the plan.

Route
Aitutaki β†’ Rarotonga β†’ Muri Lagoon
Trip length
5 days
Est. budget
$350 – $2,250
1–2

Aitutaki

One of the world's finest lagoons.

πŸ—“ 2 days✨ Beach Β· Honeymoon Β· Iconic
3–4

Rarotonga

Lush main island and beaches.

πŸ—“ 2 days✨ Beach Β· Nature
5

Muri Lagoon

Calm snorkelling and motus.

πŸ—“ 1 day✨ Beach Β· Relax
Route
Aitutaki β†’ Rarotonga β†’ Muri Lagoon β†’ Atiu
Trip length
7 days
Est. budget
$490 – $3,150
1–2

Aitutaki

One of the world's finest lagoons.

πŸ—“ 2 days✨ Beach Β· Honeymoon Β· Iconic
3–4

Rarotonga

Lush main island and beaches.

πŸ—“ 2 days✨ Beach Β· Nature
5–6

Muri Lagoon

Calm snorkelling and motus.

πŸ—“ 2 days✨ Beach Β· Relax
7

Atiu

Caves, coffee and birdlife.

πŸ—“ 1 day✨ Adventure Β· Nature
Route
Aitutaki β†’ Rarotonga β†’ Muri Lagoon β†’ Atiu
Trip length
10 days
Est. budget
$700 – $4,500
1–3

Aitutaki

One of the world's finest lagoons.

πŸ—“ 3 days✨ Beach Β· Honeymoon Β· Iconic
4–6

Rarotonga

Lush main island and beaches.

πŸ—“ 3 days✨ Beach Β· Nature
7–8

Muri Lagoon

Calm snorkelling and motus.

πŸ—“ 2 days✨ Beach Β· Relax
9–10

Atiu

Caves, coffee and birdlife.

πŸ—“ 2 days✨ Adventure Β· Nature
✨ Build a custom Cook Islands itinerary β†’
Visa & entry

Cook Islands visa requirements

Visa required?
No visa β€” free entry permit on arrival
Allowed stay
Up to 31 days (extendable)
Visa on arrival
Yes (free for all)
eVisa
N/A
Passport validity
6 months
Visa type
Visa-free
⚠️

Visa rules change frequently. Visa-free entry for all; show onward travel and accommodation. Always verify with the official Cook Islands immigration / e-visa website before travelling.

Full Cook Islands visa guide β†’Use the visa checker β†’
Money

Cook Islands budget guide

Budget

$70/day
  • Hostels & guesthouses
  • Local food & markets
  • Public transport
  • Free sights & nature

Luxury

$450+/day
  • 4–5β˜… hotels & resorts
  • Fine dining
  • Private transfers
  • Premium experiences
Full Cook Islands budget guide β†’
Things to do

Top attractions in Cook Islands

πŸ’™

Aitutaki Lagoon

Turquoise water and One Foot Island.

🏝️

Muri Lagoon

Snorkel and kayak to the motus.

πŸ₯Ύ

Cross-Island Track

Hike over Rarotonga's peaks.

🌺

Island Night

Polynesian dance and feasts.

πŸ•³οΈ

Atiu caves

Limestone caves and rare birds.

Get outside

Nature in Cook Islands

All nature
Blog

Cook Islands travel articles

All guides